url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-calls-for-extension-of-unemployment-benefits-as-first-order-of,CASTRO CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AS FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS,2013-12-27,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"San Antonio, TX – 1.3 million Americans, including over 64,000 Texans, are losing all of their federal unemployment insurance tomorrow, December 28. An additional 106,900 Texans will lose their unemployment insurance in the first 6 months of 2014. Rep. Joaquin Castro is calling on Speaker Boehner to bring up this important piece of legislation for debate as the first order of business in the new year. U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro along with 173 other members of Congress urged Speaker Boehner to not adjourn before extending this crucial program for millions of struggling Americans.   “As the economy recovers, the American people deserve a Congress that puts their needs first. As folks continue to look for jobs and strengthen our economy, we must ensure that they are supported. Yet, at a time when families should be coming together to celebrate and enjoy the holidays, hundreds of thousands are seeing their entire lifeline cut-off because the  Speaker decided to adjourn before dealing with this important program,” said Rep. Joaquin Castro. “I am calling on Speaker Boehner to make extending this vital program the first order of business when Congress returns in January. This will restore hope for folks who have worked hard, played by the rules, and continue to look for a job.”   The federal unemployment insurance program – formally called Emergency Unemployment Compensation – took effect in 2008 and has been reauthorized several times since as the economy continues its recovery. Despite the real progress the economy has made since its near collapse in 2008, there are still 1.3 million fewer jobs than there were before the recession began and long-term unemployment as a percentage of the unemployed is 37 percent, far higher than during previous recessions. On average, nationwide, the program provides about $300 a week to recipients.   Failure to extend federal unemployment insurance would also hurt job growth locally and throughout the nation, costing the economy 240,000 jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301101906/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/letters/letter-to-fbi-director-james-comey-re-death-of-us-marshal,Letter to FBI Director James Comey Re: Death of U.S. Marshal,2013-12-23,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,El Paso North Oregon District Office,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-applauds-local-community-health-clinics-awarded-funds-hhs-enroll,Congressman Al Green Applauds Local Community Health Clinics Awarded Funds from HHS to Enroll Uninsured Texans in the New Health Insurance Marketplaces,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston,TX)--On December 19, 2013, Congressman Al Green called representatives from South Central Care Community Health Center, the Harris County Hospital District, and the Asian American Health Coalition of the Greater Houston Area to congratulate them on being awarded grants to assist Texans in enrolling in the new Health Insurance Marketplaces and receive quality health care services. These grants are important investments not only in our community health clinics but in the health and vitality of our community,” Congressman Al Green said. “I trust that our community health clinics will use these grants wisely and further expand access to health care in Houston.” On December 11, 2013, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced $58 million in grants to 1,157 health clinics across the country working to enroll uninsured Americans in the new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act.  With these funds, health clinics can expand their enrollment assistance efforts as more Americans enroll in affordable health insurance coverage. These awards will allow community health clinics to expand the hours of existing outreach and enrollment assistance workers, as well as hire new or temporary workers. The South Central Houston Community Health Center received $165,755 in the fiscal year for 2013 and $92,935 in 2014; the Harris County Hospital District received $154,326 in the fiscal year for 2013 and $85,662 in 2014; the Asian American Health Coalition of the Greater Houston Area received $90,867 in the fiscal year for 2013 and $45,279 in 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-joins-hhs-secretary-kathleen-sebelius-and-democratic-members,Congressman Al Green Joins HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Democratic Members of the Houston Congressional Delegation in a Press Conference and Discussion on the Affordable Care Act,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Al Green Joins HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Democratic Members of the Houston Congressional Delegation in a Press Conference and Discussion on the Affordable Care Act Dec 20, 2013 Rep. Al Green with (left to right) Rep. Gene Green, Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. (Houston, TX)—On December 20, 2013, Rep. Al Green (TX-09) joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Reps. Gene Green and Sheila Jackson Lee, as well as enrollees in the Health Insurance Marketplaces at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center for a discussion and press conference on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. “The Affordable Care Act is working. It’s working for senior citizens by closing the doughnut hole, which requires them to pay more for pharmaceuticals,  it’s working for persons under 26 years of age by allowing them to stay on their parents’ insurance policies, and it’s working for young people with preexisting conditions by allowing them to get insurance coverage,” Congressman Al Green said.  “Next year, it will work even better when persons young and old with preexisting conditions will have the opportunity to get insurance coverage and many persons will have their coverage subsidized to some extent. Better coverage at less cost for more Americans that’s what the Affordable Care Act is all about.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=365023,La Reforma Energética Mexicana: Una Bendición para Ámerica del Norte,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"El descubrimiento del petróleo de esquisto bituminoso en Texas ha sido una bendición para la economía de nuestro estado y nuestra región, resultando en la creación de miles de puestos de trabajo y mil millones de dólares en ganancias adicionales.  Por ejemplo, en el año 2012, la formación geológica de Eagle Ford en el sur de Texas genero más de $61 mil millones de dólares para la región, más de 116,000 puestos de trabajo, y más de $3.1 mil millones de dólares en salarios.     El mes pasado, yo viajé a la Ciudad de México para reunirme con el diputado federal mexicano Marco González, quien organizó varias juntas con miembros del Congreso Mexicano y con la administración del Presidente Enrique Peña Nieto.  Mi mensaje fue claro para los líderes y las autoridades mexicanas: la producción y las reservas de petróleo y gas de esquisto no se detienen en la frontera de Texas. México tiene una abundancia de recursos petroleros aun no aprovechados.  Además, México es el tercer mayor productor de petróleo en el hemisferio occidental, después de Brasil y Venezuela, y está dentro los 10 mayores del mundo.  Sin embargo, la empresa estatal, PEMEX, no puede igualar la producción de los EE.UU. debido a límites constitucionales en México que impiden la inversión extranjera en la producción y extracción de petróleo y gas natural.        La administración de Enrique Peña Nieto ha sido una de las más innovadoras y pioneras en la historia de México.  A principios de este mes, el Congreso Mexicano aprobó una reforma electoral que abrió el camino para lograr una reforma energética histórica, que se aprobó esta semana. Durante mi reciente viaje a México, también me reuní con el coordinador del Partido Revolucionario Industrial (PRI), el diputado federal Manlio Beltrones, quien impulsa la agenda del presidente de una manera muy eficiente.  Beltrones me explico cómo era necesario aprobar una reforma electoral para llevar acabo una reforma energética.  Este tipo de intercambio es simbólico al estilo de gobierno de Presidente Pena Nieto – pragmático, dispuesto a llegar a un acuerdo, y enfocado en lograr soluciones.  Este tipo de liderazgo y función pública debería de ser un ejemplo para todos.  La reforma energética aprobada abre el sector petrolero a la inversión privada y permite que las empresas privadas compartan con PEMEX los beneficios de la exploración y producción petrolera.  Según una estimación de PEMEX, el país requiere una inversión de más de 60 mil millones de dólares por año para aprovechar al máximo la producción energética del país.  Hay empresas de los EE.UU. y otros países que están dispuestas a invertir en el sector energético de México y aprovechar las reservas subdesarrolladas de petróleo y gas natural del país. Con esta legislación, América del Norte se acerca más a la independencia energética.  Hoy es momento para colaborar con nuestro vecino del sur para lograr nuestros objetivos comunes de producción y crecimiento energético.  Con estos cambios legislativos, los Estados Unidos, Canadá y México se convertirán en un centro mundial de producción petrolero y nuestra región se hará el nuevo Medio Oriente del mundo.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234028/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/200-press-release-vela-sponsors-legislation-to-avoid-pension-cuts-to-military-retirees,PRESS RELEASE: Vela Sponsors Legislation to Avoid Pension Cuts to Military Retirees,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE: Vela Sponsors Legislation to Avoid Pension Cuts to Military Retirees   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            PRESS CONTACT: December 20, 2013                                                                   Brenda Lopez   956.544.8352                                                                                                                                                      PRESS RELEASE: Vela Sponsors Legislation to Avoid Pension Cuts to Military Retirees   WASHINGTON –U.S. Representative Filemon Vela (TX-34) joined dozens of Member of Congress – both Democrats and Republicans - in sponsoring legislation to eliminate cuts to cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for military retirement payments.    Military retirement pay, like Social Security and other federal programs, is subject to an annual cost of living increase which is set to match the rate of inflation and helps ensure that the value of the benefit is not diminished. Under a recent budget agreement, this annual COLA will be decreased by 1% for military retirees until from the date of their retirement from military service until they reach the age of 62.  At age 62, each military member’s retirement would be adjusted up to the level it would have been if their COLA had been higher by 1% every year. The reduction is scheduled to take effect at the end of 2015 unless Congress acts to halt the cut.   Representative Vela has added his support as a cosponsor of three bills that would repeal the military retirement pay cut, including H.R. 3789 to alter the provision to ensure that the cut is not applied to military retirees who also receive veterans disability compensation through or for surviving spouses.  Additionally, he is a cosponsor of H.R. 3790 to repeal the provision entirely and restore military retirement to its current formula.     “Getting our fiscal house in order is a top priority, but we cannot balance our federal budget on the backs of military families who have already given so much,” said Rep. Vela. “I will continue to support this and other efforts to ensure that the pay and benefits we provide our armed forces are commensurate with the sacrifices they make in defense of our nation."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234035/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/201-press-release-congressman-vela-supports-partnership-between-cbp-and-border-trade-alliance-to-expand-services,PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Supports Partnership Between CBP and Border Trade Alliance to Expand Services,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Supports Partnership Between CBP and Border Trade Alliance to Expand Services     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          PRESS CONTACT: December 20, 2013                                                      Brenda Lopez   956.544.8352                                                                                                                                          PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Supports Partnership Between CBP and Border Trade Alliance to Expand Services   WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) supports the partnership between Customs Border Protection and Border Trade Alliance to finalize the agreements for five public-private partnerships.  Cross-border trade and travel stakeholders gathered in Washington, D.C. at the headquarters of Customs and Border Protection for the official signing of five “reimbursable fee agreements” between CBP and partners in the air and land environments.   The agreements were made possible by Section 560 of the Fiscal Year 2013 continuing resolution budget deal (H.R. 933), which passed in March. The agreements allow the winning projects to partner with CBP to improve staffing at the affected ports of entry.   Two proposals focused on improving port staffing levels that were submitted from U.S.-Mexico border communities were selected by CBP: one by the City of El Paso, and another by the South Texas Asset Consortium (STAC), a joint submission by South Texas port entities in Laredo, Rio Grande City, McAllen, Pharr and Cameron County. The City of El Paso and the STAC partners of the Starr-Camargo Bridge Co., City of McAllen, City of Pharr and Cameron County are all Border Trade Alliance members.   “Today marks a bold step towards improving operations at our nation’s ports of entry,” Border Trade Alliance President Noe Garcia said. “We look forward to these pilots demonstrating that CBP and partners at the local level can craft innovative solutions for facilitating legitimate trade and travel through improved staffing levels. This is a significant achievement for a trade community that has been clamoring for a new way of doing business on the border. We want to thank Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), Rep. Filemón Vela (D-Texas) and Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas) for their support of these proposals.”   “These agreements take an innovative, regional approach to port management,” STAC President and Starr-Camargo Bridge Co. President Sam F. Vale said. “Now bridge owners and operators have a greater voice in how needed resources will be deployed to the ports of entry. On behalf of all the STAC participants, we look forward to working with CBP in implementing these pilot projects, which we believe will greatly enhance our region’s economy and international trade competitiveness.”   ""The signing of these reimbursable fee agreements is a recognition of the importance of Texas ports of entry to the national economy,"" said Representative Vela.   ""The South Texas Asset Consortium (STAC), which is comprised of the City of Laredo, Starr-Camargo International Bridge, the City of McAllen, the City of Pharr, and Cameron County should be commended for finding innovative solutions to reducing wait times and facilitating trade along our ports of entry.  Improving port staffing levels is critical in order to increase U.S. trade with Mexico, which last year alone reached $500 billion.  My office worked alongside STAC and the Border Trade Alliance to ensure that CBP understood the vital role Texas ports play in our regional and national economy.""   # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301095902/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/military-retiree-pensions-legislative-update,Military Retiree Pensions Legislative Update,2013-12-20,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I am writing to you about the potential changes to the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for career military retiree pensions that were contained in the recently passed Ryan/Murray budget agreement (H.J.RES 59). I have heard from many of you with concerns about these changes and I want to let you know where I stand and what I am doing.   First, the overall budget agreement is a step forward for our community and Fort Bliss in particular and for that reason, I voted for it. By passing a budget for the first time in over three years, we will have fiscal certainty and prevent another government shut-down. It also provides relief from the arbitrary cuts known as the sequester, which hit the Department of Defense particularly hard and have resulted in furloughs of DoD civilians at Fort Bliss and harmed troop readiness and training. However, like many large pieces of compromise legislation, the budget deal included items that I do not support. One such provision would reduce the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) by 1% for some career military retirees who are younger than 62, beginning in December 2015. I want to let you know what I am doing to stop these cuts from taking effect and make you aware of three bills I helped to introduce earlier this week. The first measure (H.R. 3789) would clarify that all veterans who medically retire, all those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), all those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP), and surviving spouses receiving benefits under the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) are exempt from the COLA reduction. This proposal has bipartisan support and I believe Congress could move quickly to pass it next year. The second measure (H.R. 3790) would simply strike the section in the budget agreement that provides for a 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) reduction to all military retirees under 62, thereby restoring the full pension of retirees. The final measure (H.R. 3793) would also fully strike the COLA reduction, but would pay for it by closing tax loopholes that encourages companies to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. This bill restricts companies that are incorporated offshore, but managed and controlled from the United States, from claiming foreign status and avoiding U.S. taxes.  As the COLA reduction will not go into effect until December 2015, Congress will have significant time to pass these bills. In addition, there is an independent panel—the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission— studying military compensation and Congress is awaiting their recommendations, which are due this spring. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue and I will continue to keep you updated.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364829,Rep. Cuellar Announces Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Internships for College Students,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Cuellar Announces Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Internships for College Students f t # e Washington, December 19, 2013 Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced that the Department of Homeland Security is offering semester long internships in its cybersecurity division for current college students.  “I want to make sure that college students in Texas are aware of this exciting opportunity to gain valuable work experience and keep our country safe through service with a top government agency,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “In today’s economy, students must ensure they explore experience both inside and outside of the classroom to succeed in the workforce.  I encourage college students to take advantage of this opportunity with the Department of Homeland Security.” The Department of Homeland Security is offering 100 unpaid student volunteer assignments at field offices across the country.  Interns will support cyber security operations at DHS's forensic labs.  Internship opportunities are available in Austin, Dallas, Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio, as well as other locations across the country.  The deadline for application is January 3, 2014.  Interns will begin in Spring 2014 and participate throughout the summer.  Learn more about the program here and begin your application here.  f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364830,"357,000 Young Texans Can Stay On Their Parents’ Health Plans until Age 26, Thanks to the Affordable Care Act",2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released figures highlighting how, under the Affordable Care Act, over 357,000 young Texans and 3 million young adults nationally have gained insurance because they can now stay on their parents’ health plans until their 26th birthday. “It used to be the case that many insurance companies would kick young adults off of their parents’ health plans on their 19th birthday or when they stopped being a full-time student,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “For many young adults, this is the time when they need the stability of being able to stay on their parents’ plans the most as they transition in and out of school or jobs.  Now, because of the Affordable Care Act, young Texans and their families will have the security and flexibility of continued health coverage.” Additionally, many young adults will be newly eligible for Medicaid thanks to the opportunity provided by the Affordable Care Act to states to expand eligibility to all adults with incomes below 133% of poverty (about $15,000 for an individual). And many more young adults will be eligible for tax credits to help purchase affordable health plans through the new Marketplace. In fact, nearly 5 in 10 single, uninsured young adults eligible for plans in the Marketplace may be able to purchase a plan for $50 per month or less after tax credits and nearly 7 in 10 may be able to pay $100 or less for coverage in 2014. Importantly, due to the ACA, none of these young adults will have to worry about being denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition like asthma or diabetes.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221193001/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/o-rourke-cosponsors-key-bills-to-protect-military-pensions,O’Rourke Cosponsors Key Bills to Protect Military Pensions,2013-12-19,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"O’Rourke Cosponsors Key Bills to Protect Military Pensions Bills would fully eliminate COLA reductions from Budget Agreement Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Beto O’Rourke (TX-16) helped introduce legislation to eliminate cuts to cost of living adjustments (COLAs) for military retiree pensions that were part of the recently passed Ryan/Murray budget agreement (H.J.Res. 59). The three bills would: Strike Section 403 of the budget agreement, which provides for a 1% COLA reduction for military retirees under age 62. Amend Section 403 of the budget agreement to clarify that all veterans who medically retire, all those who receive Combat Related Specialty Compensation (CRSC), all those who receive Concurrent Receipt Pay (CRDP), and surviving spouses receiving benefits under the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) are exempt from the COLA reduction. Repeal Section 403’s COLA reduction and replace the $6.3 billion in lost savings by closing a tax loophole that allows corporations to avoid paying U.S. taxes by setting up a shell company in an offshore tax haven. This change would raise approximately $6.6 billion over ten years, with the difference going toward deficit reduction. “There are far better ways to get our fiscal house in order other than reducing benefits that were promised to career service members,” said Rep. O’Rourke. “Although it was critically important that Congress come together and pass a budget for the first time in over three years, the agreement is not perfect and Congress should work to fix it. The three bills introduced today would protect all current retirees from any cuts and one of the measures would fully pay for the fix by reforming our tax code to prevent large corporations from using tax havens to avoid paying their fair share. As the COLA changes do not go into effect until December 2015, I am hopeful that Congress will have plenty of time to do what is right and treat those who served our nation fairly.” The Ryan/Murray budget contains $85 billion in total budget savings, with $6.3 billion coming from COLA reductions to military retiree pensions for individuals under 62. Under current law, service members who have completed 20 years of service (regardless of age) are eligible for a pension, which typically amounts to at least 50% of their highest 36 months of basic pay. These benefits are indexed to inflation through an annual COLA. Under the changes, starting in December 2015, the COLA would be inflation minus 1 percentage point. For example, if the scheduled COLA is 3.5% for the year, the change would mean a retiree would receive a 2.5% increase. At age 62, the retiree’s pay would be recalculated as if each prior year’s COLA had been the full amount and the retiree would receive the full COLA going forward. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364747,"ICYMI: Congressman Cuellar Op-Ed ""Mexican energy reform helps North America""",2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"The discovery of shale oil in Texas has been a boon for the economy of our state, creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars. In 2012 alone, the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas created over $61 billion in economic impact across a 20-county region, supported over 116,000 full-time jobs and generated $3.1 billion in salaries. I traveled to Mexico City last month and met with Mexican Congressman Marco Gonzalez, who set up meetings for me with Mexican members of Congress and the administration. I reminded Mexican authorities that the shale oil and gas reserves do not stop at the Rio Grande River. Mexico has huge untapped resources of oil and gas. Mexico is the third-largest oil producer in the Western Hemisphere, after Brazil and Venezuela, and is among the top 10 in the world. It is believed that Mexico has the fourth-largest shale oil reserves in the world. But Petróleos Mexicanos, or PEMEX, the state-owned oil company, is unable to match the U.S. production due to the constitutional limits placed on foreign investment in oil and gas production and extraction. The Enrique Peña Nieto administration has been among the most innovative and forward looking in Mexico's history. Earlier this month, Congress approved an electoral reform package that paved the way for a historic energy reform, passed this week. During my recent trip to Mexico, I met with the coordinator of the ruling PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), Congressman Manlio Beltrones, who has pushed the president's legislation in a very efficient manner. He explained that the Mexican Congress would enact energy reform in exchange for electoral reform allowing members to run for re-election. This kind of exchange is emblematic of how the Peña Nieto administration does business — pragmatic, willing to compromise, and bent on achieving results. It should be an example for all of us on how to run a government. The energy reform opens up the state-controlled oil sector to allow private investors to team up with oil monopoly Pemex and share in profits of exploration and production. Pemex has estimated the country needs more than $60 billion a year in investment to tap the country's potential. There are companies from the U. S. and other countries ready to inject capital into Mexico's energy sector and tap into the country's underdeveloped oil and gas reserves. This legislation will go a long way toward moving North America closer to energy independence. It is time to work closely with our southern neighbor to achieve common goals of growth and energy production. With these changes, the United States, Canada and Mexico will become a powerhouse of oil and energy production and the new Middle East of the world. http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Mexican-energy-reform-helps-North-America-5072639.php",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364802,Congressman Cuellar Announces Award of Competitive Federal Funds to Laredo Center for the Arts,2013-12-18,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Wednesday, December 18th, Congressman Henry Cuellar and Laredo Center for the Arts Executive Director Gabriel Castillo announced that the Laredo Center for the Arts had earned a $10,000 competitive grant to support their program titled “The Book Nook Academy.” The grant funds come from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Engagement in American Communities program for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations.  The International Bank of Commerce in Laredo also matched the grant funding for the Laredo Center for the Arts.  “I am pleased to see the federal government partnering with the Laredo Center for the Arts to further the promotion of the arts here in Laredo—especially amongst our community’s youth,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “A child’s education is not complete unless it includes the arts. In today’s economy, people need more than just skills and knowledge to be productive and innovative participants in the workforce—there must be a combination of knowledge and creativity. I applaud the Laredo Center for the Arts for its success application and I look forward to seeing the results of its continued efforts to engage children in the world of the arts.” Congressman Henry Cuellar, Gabriel Castillo, Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts, Gabriela Carriedo Vice President Marketing and Public Relations for IBC, and Laredo Center for the Arts Board Members present the grant earned by LCA through a competitive application process.   ""The National Endowment for the Arts grant will enhance our arts and literacy projects for the upcoming year,” said Gabriel Castillo, Executive Director of the Laredo Center for the Arts.  “This program inspires students to read while learning about our border heritage and traditions.  It is the perfect combination to promote, develop and preserve the arts and enhance the cultural experience for young people from all walks of life."" “The Book Nook Academy” program will provide students within the ages of 6 to 14 with a new, fun-filled learning experience into the world of the arts by hosting a variety of workshops on topics such as musical theater, the culinary arts, traditional dance troupes, broadcast journalism, and many more.   Congressman Cuellar speaks tours the Laredo Center for the Arts and speaks with attendees of the grant presentation event.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364638,"More than 700,000 Texans Receive Rebate from Insurance Companies because of Affordable Care Act",2013-12-17,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (DTX-28) announced that approximately 726,200 consumers in Texas received an average rebate of approximately $95 per family because of new rules under the Affordable Care Act in 2013.  Under new regulations in the ACA, if insurance companies do not meet new standards established by the health care reform law, insurers must send consumers a rebate. “If insurance companies do not spend at least 80% of premiums on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care, they must send their costumers a rebate to meet this threshold,” said Congressman Cuellar. “Texas families deserve to have affordable, quality health care that is a reflection of their hard earned dollars.  I am pleased to see that the Affordable Care Act has reinforced these benefits for consumers and Texas tayxpayers.” In 2012, nearly 80 million consumers saved $3.4 billion upfront on their premiums because of this rule and other Affordable Care Act programs. And because of this rule, insurers sent 8.5 million consumers an average rebate of approximately $100 per family this year. The health care law also requires insurance companies to publicly post and justify any proposed rate increase of 10 percent or more. Across the country, insurers are withdrawing or decreasing proposed rate hikes, benefitting families as well the economy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/today-rep-veasey-members-of-the-texas-congressional-delegation,TODAY: Rep. Veasey & Members of the Texas Congressional Delegation Participate in a Health Care Field Hearing,2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fort Worth, TX – Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, will be participating in a field hearing regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace navigator program. WHO: Congressman Marc Veasey & Members of the Texas Delegation WHAT: U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Field Hearing, “ObamaCare Implementation: Who are the Navigators?” WHEN: Monday, December 16, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. WHERE: Charles W. Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson, TX 75082 MEDIA: If you are a member of the media and would like a copy of Congressman Veasey’s remarks, please contact Anne Hagan at 817-471-7193. Be sure to include your name, media outlet, and contact information. For more event information call 817-471-7193 or visit https:/Veasey.House.Gov ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/awarded-friend-national-parks,"Awarded as ""Friend of the National Parks""",2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 16, 2013 Today, Rep. Doggett accepted a Friend of the National Parks award from the National Parks Conservation Association for his voting record and for his efforts to expand the Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio. This National Park preserves the largest collection of Spanish colonial resources anywhere in America. It is an educational, historical and cultural resource that each year brings over a million people to enjoy and learn from it. The park is important to the understanding of Texas and the United States, and has a very strong positive economic impact for San Antonio and Bexar County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000259/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/602-awarded-as-friend-of-the-national-parks,Awarded as "Friend of the National Parks",2013-12-16,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Awarded as ""Friend of the National Parks"" December 16, 2013   Today, Rep. Doggett accepted a “Friend of the National Parks” award from the National Parks Conservation Association for his voting record and for his efforts to expand the Missions National Historical Park in San Antonio. This National Park preserves the largest collection of Spanish colonial resources anywhere in America. It is an educational, historical and cultural resource that each year brings over a million people to enjoy and learn from it. The park is important to the understanding of Texas and the United States, and has a very strong positive economic impact for San Antonio and Bexar County.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364074,"Under the Affordable Care Act, 5,189,000 Million Texans Will Gain Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefits",2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released figures highlighting recent data that show that the Affordable Care expands mental health and substance use disorder benefits and federal parity protections for approximately 60 million Americans– including more than five million Texans – representing one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in a generation. Because of the health care law, for the first time insurance companies in the individual and small group market are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as one of ten categories of essential health benefits. Additionally, insurance companies must cover these services at parity with medical and surgical benefits, which means things like out-of-pocket costs for behavioral health services must generally be comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care. “It is of the utmost importance that all Americans receive equal access to mental health services,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Under the law, insurance companies are now required to cover these services at parity with other medical benefits.  I encourage the five million Texans who now have expanded access to take full advantage of their increased coverage to seek any care they may need.  I hope that institutions such as school districts, hospitals, and healthcare centers will do their part to spread the word about these newly available benefits.” An estimated one in five adults experiences a mental illness in any given year. While most mental illnesses are treatable, those with mental illness too often cannot access needed treatment if they do not have health insurance that covers mental health services. The Affordable Care Act requires most health plans to cover recommended preventive services like depression screenings for adults and behavioral assessments for children at no cost to consumers. And, because of the law, starting in 2014 insurers will not be able to deny coverage or charge individuals more due to pre-existing conditions, including mental illnesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/rep-green-introduces-bipartisan-legislation-verifiably-prevent-nuclear-iran,Rep. Green Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Verifiably Prevent a Nuclear Iran,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Yesterday, Congressman Gene Green and Reps. Peter Roskam (R-IL), Michael McCaul (R-TX), and Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) introduced legislation to verifiably prevent a nuclear Iran. Last month’s announcement of an interim agreement between the Obama Administration and Iran set a six month window during which to negotiate a final deal over Iran’s nuclear program. The bipartisan resolution (H. Res. 445) states that any final nuclear agreement with Iran should fully dismantle Iran’s nuclear program—including its production of a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles—and reduce Iran’s support for terrorism, human rights violations, persecution of religious minorities, and unjust imprisonment of American citizens. Furthermore, this legislation reaffirms the need for additional economic sanctions against Iran should it fail to meet the negotiated terms of the interim agreement within six months of implementing the deal. The lawmakers released the following statement on the legislation: “Preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability is a moral and strategic imperative for the United States. We are deeply concerned that the interim agreement leaves Iran multiple paths to developing a nuclear weapon. However, we recognize a potential final, comprehensive agreement as an opportunity to once and for all verifiably prevent a nuclear Iran. But this isn’t just about nuclearization. Iran continues to develop long-range ballistic missiles, finance the world’s most dangerous terrorist organizations, commit heinous human rights abuses on its own citizens, persecute religious minorities, and hold innocent Americans captive. We are therefore pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation, which takes a resolute stand against the Iranian regime and its pursuit of nuclear weapons.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/veasey-updates/marcs-memo-congressional-update-12132013,Marc's Memo - Congressional Update 12/13/2013,2013-12-13,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dear Friends, As we adjourn until January 2014, I would like to share with you several updates from my work week in Washington D.C. and Texas’ 33rd congressional district. This year, my Democratic colleagues and I came to the House ready to pass bipartisan solutions to the big problems facing the American people, but were met with all too frequent partisan bickering and Congressionally-created fiscal crises.   Last night, Congress took a step away from the brinkmanship of recent years to pass a budget agreement. This budget bill is far from perfect, but the agreement is better than the alternative and is a step towards doing what the American people expect us to do,  putting America on a fiscally sustainable path in the New Year. While we accomplished a lot during our last week in session, Republican leadership left Washington without bringing a long to-do list of critical legislation to a vote, with no action on jobs, a farm bill with nutrition funding, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, unemployment insurance benefits, or immigration reform.  I am still optimistic that when we return on January 6th, my colleagues will come ready to get to work on the issues important to the American people. In the meantime, I hope that you are enjoying the start of the holiday season and hope that you will stay connected with me through my official website, Facebook page, and Twitter account to stay informed of our progress. Sincerely, Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33   SAVE THE DATE: Job Fair Rescheduled for January 24th due to Winter Weather Due to winter weather, our 33rd Congressional District Job Fair has been rescheduled for Friday, January 24, 2014 at 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM at the Tarrant County Resource Connection Conference Center, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119. Mark your calendars for this important event as you will have the opportunity to meet dozens of potential employers. From AT&T to the Dallas Police Department, there are companies, businesses, city and government agencies that have vacancies in every field of employment. You will have the opportunity to apply for jobs on-site, network with local employers, and attend professional workshops on topics such as networking and resume writing to jumpstart your career. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information on the Job Fair, please check my official website or call the Fort Worth Office at 817-920-9086. Congress on Your Corner Set for January 4th Every month I host a “Congress On Your Corner” (COYC) at local businesses in the Metroplex where I answer your questions about how I am representing you in Washington.  Join me on Saturday, January 4th at the Kroger located at 515 S. MacArthur Boulevard Irving, Texas and voice your concerns. It is an honor to be a friend and advocate for the people of the 33rd District and I appreciate so many of you taking the time to come meet me this year. Looking forward to hearing from a few more folks in 2014! Stay tuned for upcoming “Congress On Your Corner” events and other events in the 33rd District. Rep. Veasey Calls for Extension of Unemployment Benefits Earlier this week, I joined 166 of my colleagues to call on Speaker Boehner to extend the federal unemployment benefits program that will expire on December 28, 2013. The Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program protects over 1.3 million unemployed Americans and provides benefits for approximately 68,900 Texans. Congress has reauthorized the program 11 times since it was first enacted in 2008 and I will continue to push for reauthorization until it is accomplished. For more information on this vital program and for a state by state analysis of how the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation impacts Americans, connect with me on my official website. Congressman Veasey Urges Colleagues to Work on Issues that Affect Middle-Class Families On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, I took to the House floor to urge my colleagues to work on increasing the minimum wage, reauthorizing the Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits program, and any issue that affects middle-class families in Texas and across the nation.                                   Click here to watch the video. Temporary Farm Bill Extension Does Not “Extend Assistance” for SNAP Recipients   During my first year in Congress, I have fought tirelessly for the millions of Texans who depend on SNAP benefits. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 3.5 million Texas residents receive SNAP benefits. A reduction to these benefits hit Metroplex households with children, seniors, and people with disabilities the hardest. Earlier this year we saw several attempts to cut SNAP funding by as much as 18 percent, potentially increasing hunger and undermining the health of millions of Americans.  For this reason, I joined 88 of my colleagues in a letter calling on the Budget Conference Committee to protect SNAP at the higher level that was designated in the Senate budget agreement.   On Thursday, December 12, 2013, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3695, the Temporary Farm Bill Extension, by a voice vote. This bill would ensure that many of the Farm Bill provisions remain intact as negotiations continue on formulating a concrete 5-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Download my Farm Bill/SNAP Fact Sheet to learn more about my efforts to protect food security. Passage of the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) The National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House last night is an important piece of legislation that supports our troops and all those who defend our nation. This bill also took the first steps toward addressing the crisis of sexual assault in our military. This is a serious issue that must be urgently addressed, and while I believe more could be done, this bill advances our effort. I was proud to support it and hope the Senate passes it quickly. Congressman Veasey Congratulates Proyecto Inmigrante Last week, I took to the House floor to congratulate Proyecto Inmigrante, ICS Inc. on their 8 years of service. Proyecto Inmigrante is an important non-profit organization that provides our community with free legal services for immigrants, protecting a vulnerable immigrant community from fraud and abuse. Organizations like Proyecto Inmigrante are vital to our community as we continue to work on Comprehensive Immigration Reform. I look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with Proyecto Inmigrante.                                     Click here to watch the video. Click here to view in your browser.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-in-support-of-farm-bill-extension,CASTRO STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF FARM BILL EXTENSION,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. –Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement in support for the Farm Bill extension, which passed with unanimous support in the U.S. House of Representatives:   “This bill extends current agriculture-related law for another month in order to prevent the possibility that the law’s expiration could adversely affect commodity prices, like dairy. It also allows, Congress to flesh out a long-term Farm Bill. I am hopeful that my House and Senate colleagues who are currently debating the Farm Bill in conference will find common ground so that we may support our farmers and needy families who depend on these programs.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://castro.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/castro-statement-in-support-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act,CASTRO STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Joaquín Castro,C001091,castro.house.gov,,,legacy,"San Antonio, TX–Congressman Joaquin Castro [TX-20] released the following statement in support of the reauthorization of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, which provides necessary authorities and important funding provisions for our nation’s military. Congressman Castro originally voted in favor of passage of the House version of NDAA bill on June 14, 2013.    “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I worked closely with my colleagues to ensure San Antonio—Military City USA—is well represented in the re-authorization of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).    The first hearing I ever went to in Congress hit very close to home. The hearing was a review of sexual misconduct at Lackland Air Force Base, which I represent. As we learn of the sexual assault incidents in the military in areas as far ranging as the Pentagon, it is critical to stress that we must we must implement reforms to prevent future transgression and never let this happen again. This legislation makes a substantial step toward eliminating sexual assault in our armed services. As Chairman McKeon pointed out, I worked with my colleagues on the armed services committee to include provisions to confront this issue head on. the NDAA bill now requires an independent progress report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the implementation of measures to prevent sexual assault incidents at military basic training facilities. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Department of Defense to ensure that the honorable work our men and women in uniform are doing to protect our nation is not be overshadowed by these cowardly acts of assault.   Another issue encompassed in the NDAA process is the possibility of Base Realignment and Closures, or BRAC rounds. San Antonio was once home to 5 military bases, now it is only home to 3 bases. That sort of cutting back often has a deep and negative economic impact on the communities where it happens.  On this issue, I had the chance to follow in the footsteps of a fellow Texan, former Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. In her absence, I was able to pick up where she left off and direct the Department of Defense to ensure with the same rigor as domestic BRAC rounds that our military assets abroad were still needed. Importantly, this bill does not authorize another round of BRAC for the coming year. This bill helps ensure troop pay and benefits are provided for;  and does not raise Tricare fees for military families.   Finally, as with every community, education is key for children with parents in the military. This bill will provide funding for program supports STEM education for at risk fifth graders in military installations.    I will continue to work to ensure that what I do in Congress continues to reflect the needs of San Antonians and supports our military families and communities in San Antonio, Texas, and across the nation.”   Background House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA) noted the important contributions Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) made on the NDAA process to combat sexual assault in the military. This is a recognition by the Chairman reserved for leaders on key issues. REPORT LINK",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364327,Congressman Cuellar Creates Partnership between DoD and DHS for Additional Border Resources,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"With the support of Congressman Henry Cuellar, Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act.   This legislation provides crucial advancements to our national defense policy, including a provision by Rep. Cuellar which develops joint testing and training of unmanned aircraft and systems between the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Aviation Administration. This provision will lead to more border resources by better training and equipping pilots to operate unmanned aircraft for the purposes of border security. “As we tighten the belt of federal spending, it is important we leverage our resources to their fullest extent – especially when those resources are used to protect our border and prepare our soldiers for the future,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Improvements to our training and testing procedures mean more resources without more spending.  This means more eyes in the sky protecting our border.” In addition to the provision Cuellar secured, the FY14 NDAA also makes several improvements to our national defense policy, while still providing all promised pay, benefits, and protection for our troops.  Additionally, the bill contains important advancements in combating sexual assault in the military, religious liberties protections, ensuring our men and women serving can do so without fear of their safety or beliefs.  With the ongoing budget cuts, the legislation also provides for a restructuring of resources in the Department of Defense, to ensure combat readiness is not compromised as the agencies trim excess assets and services.  Finally, the law provides our armed services a plan for winning the war in Afghanistan, and strengthening our resolve in Syria, Iran, and Libya.  A full summary of the legislation can be seen here: http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=127E1D4B-DD70-4B69-80DC-A036DA7B3519 This bipartisan legislation is expected to be passed in the Senate next week and signed into law by President Obama in the coming weeks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364328,Congressman Cuellar Votes for Deal that Prevents Government Shutdown,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Votes for Deal that Prevents Government Shutdown f t # e Washington, December 12, 2013 Congressman Henry Cuellar voted on Thursday in favor of a common sense budget deal that funds the government for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 and prevents another government shutdown.  The deal, brokered by Democratic and Republican representatives from the House and Senate, ends years of partisan over the budget and is a positive and hopeful example of both parties coming together in a compromise.  This agreement does not include everything, but it is a good bipartisan effort that ends the gridlock and is the type of effort that should continue in Washington.  “With this deal, we have broken through the partisan rancor that has defined Washington for the past few years and removed the threat of another government shutdown,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “In fact, this is the first budget deal passed in a divided government since 1986.  I congratulate Democratic and Republican leadership for working together to develop legislation that benefits and protects the American people, including federal workers, students, veterans, and the middle class."" Key aspects of the deal include: Replacement of a portion of the across the board cuts known as sequestration for defense and non-defense programs Medicare and Social Security remain intact Relief for doctors facing Medicare reimbursement payment cuts   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/green-gingrey-introduce-adapt-act-safeguard-public-health,"Green, Gingrey Introduce ADAPT Act to Safeguard Public Health",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Reps. Gene Green (D-TX), Phil Gingrey, M.D., (R-GA), G.K. Butterfield, (D-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), and Ed Whitfield (R-KY) today introduced The Antibiotic Development to Advance Patient Treatment (ADAPT) Act of 2013. This legislation is a successor to the GAIN Act, introduced by Green, Gingrey and others, and signed into law last year. The ADAPT Act advances drug development in order to combat the growing public health threat of “superbugs,” which the Center for Disease Control (CDC) warned of earlier this year. Rep. Gene Green: “I am proud to be joined by health policy leaders from both sides of the aisle in introducing this important bill, especially my friend Representative Phil Gingrey. For decades, antibiotics have been taken for granted, but their effectiveness is waning and the pipeline for new drugs is running dry. We need to invest in new, effective antibiotic therapies in order to combat serious and life-threatening drug-resistant infections. The ADAPT Act, will build on the success of the GAIN Act, and serve as the next important step in advancing the development of new antibiotics.” Rep. Phil Gingrey, M.D.: “Since the GAIN Act was signed into law, it has played an important role in restoring antibiotic development. The ADAPT Act is an important next step in the effort to fight antimicrobial resistance, and I’m grateful for Congressman Green’s and my other colleagues’ efforts on this legislation. As a physician for more than 30 years, I understand the critical need for life-saving medical treatments. The ADAPT Act provides incentives for investment and innovation and is another step forward in developing treatments for patients with antibiotic-resistant infections.” Rep. Eliot Engel: “Antibiotic resistance is a serious and growing threat in the United States and across the world.  This important legislation gives the Food and Drug Administration the ability to quickly approve medications specifically designed to treat drug resistant bacteria. Having actively worked for years to stop the spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis and having seen its tremendously damaging impact, it is important to give the FDA another tool in the fight to treat Americans stricken by these dangerous “superbugs.” Rep. Anna Eshoo: “This bill is an important next step in in our effort to address antibiotic resistance. Patients are in need of new drugs to treat increasingly common infections and it’s critical that we stay a step ahead of the next drug-resistant threat. The ADAPT Act will help us get there.” Rep. John Shimkus: “This bipartisan group of members recognized the need to get more life saving antibiotics available to the public and helped accomplish that goal by getting the GAIN Act included in law. GAIN 2.0 looks to build on the successes we have already seen as a result of our previous efforts by providing a expedited pathway at FDA for approval of certain antibiotics while at the same time gathering valuable information on the resistance of these drugs and how they are being used.” Rep. Morgan Griffith: “I believe very strongly that, when battling deadly diseases, patients and their physicians need more choices. Our great nation boasts an array of companies and individuals that are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies. The ADAPT Act will further innovation, and ultimately will provide new, antibiotic options in the fight against superbugs.” Rep. G.K. Butterfield: “The CDC has confirmed that new treatment options are critical to combating drug resistant infections.  The ADAPT Act will help to speed new drug treatments to market for people suffering from life-threatening infections.  I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill that will help to safeguard the American public.” About the legislation The ADAPT Act of 2013 is the successor to the GAIN Act and advances drug development in three ways: 1. Develops a new, accelerated pathway for antibiotics and antifungals: This pathway provides for FDA-approval of drugs in order to treat emerging threats in limited and specific patient populations. 2: Strengthens resistance monitoring by the CDC: The CDC will also monitor use of antibiotics to treat serious and life-threatening infections and make this data publically available to providers, hospitals, and academics. 3. Updates Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for Microbial Organisms or “breakpoints"": The ADAPT Act streamlines the antibiotics labeling process at the FDA to ensure up-to-date and cutting-edge data is available to healthcare professionals. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diplomacy-iran,Diplomacy in Iran,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 12, 2013 There are no more important issues in Congress than war and peace. Today, I spoke on the House floor in support of diplomacy with Iran. I believe that the sanctions, which I have consistently supported, worked to get Iran to the negotiating table. Now we need to allow our diplomats an opportunity to move from an interim agreement to a much more difficult comprehensive, permanent agreement to avoid nuclear weapons in Iran. View speech here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/modest-budget-proposal,A modest budget proposal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 11, 2013 As you may have heard, Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray recently reached an agreement on how to address the federal budget for the next two years. While the likelihood of avoiding government shutdown is good news, as I said on MSNBC earlier this evening, only when measured by the low, low standards of this Do Nothing Congress does this Do Little budget deal represent any progress. Its modest increase may be a slight improvement, but it continues to invest too little in priorities like education, research, and transportation. And, this still leaves unresolved the issue of protecting the full faith and credit of the United States when the debt limit comes up in February.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000328/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/601-diplomacy-in-iran,Diplomacy in Iran,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Diplomacy in Iran December 12, 2013   There are no more important issues in Congress than war and peace. Today, I spoke on the House floor in support of diplomacy with Iran. I believe that the sanctions, which I have consistently supported, worked to get Iran to the negotiating table. Now we need to allow our diplomats an opportunity to move from an interim agreement to a much more difficult comprehensive, permanent agreement to avoid nuclear weapons in Iran.   View speech here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000333/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/600-a-modest-budget-proposal,A modest budget proposal,2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A modest budget proposal December 11, 2013   As you may have heard, Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. Patty Murray recently reached an agreement on how to address the federal budget for the next two years. While the likelihood of avoiding government shutdown is good news, as I said on MSNBC earlier this evening, only when measured by the low, low standards of this “Do Nothing Congress” – does this “Do Little” budget deal represent any progress. Its modest increase may be a slight improvement, but it continues to invest too little in priorities like education, research, and transportation. And, this still leaves unresolved the issue of protecting the full faith and credit of the United States when the debt limit comes up in February.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100926/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/voted-yes-on-house-amendment-to-hr-3304-the-national-defense,"Voted "Yes" on House Amendment to H.R. 3304, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)",2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The House passed the House Amendment to H.R. 3304, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2014. This measure represents an agreement negotiated between House and Senate Members to ensure that a Defense Authorization Act is enacted before Congress adjourns for the year. In June, the House passed its version of the NDAA, which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) for fiscal year 2014. I voted in support of that legislation. Unfortunately, the Senate was not able to pass its version of the NDAA this year, and this bipartisan compromise represents the best way forward to avoid major disruptions in U.S. defense operations. I voted yes because this measure, like the one in June I supported, provides the resources that our armed forces, including the men and women who serve at Fort Bliss, need to keep our nation safe. It would fund the Department of Defense at the level requested by President Obama and our military leadership while also providing our troops with a modest pay increase. This agreement contains other important provisions similar to the ones I supported in June, including reforms to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to combat sexual assaults in the military. Some of the key reforms include: ending the statute of limitations on bringing rape and sexual assault charges; prohibits commanders from reducing guilty findings to a lesser offense; and requires the dishonorable discharge or dismissal of anyone convicted of a sexual assault. The defense bill also eases restrictions on the ability of DoD to transfer overseas Guantanamo detainees who have been cleared for transfer. The provisions are an important step for the government to bring to an end the indefinite detention of individuals without charge or trail. This legislation is not perfect. However, a failure to pass the NDAA would have far reaching effects on our military and their family members. The NDAA has been passed for 51 consecutive years, and without its timely passage again this year, we put at risk many important military programs that would expire otherwise. Allowing this legislation to slip to January adds yet more uncertainty to our military and further complicates the duty of our commanders. I could not allow this to happen.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301100957/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/voted-yes-on-ryanmurray-budget-plan-hjres-59,Voted "Yes" on Ryan/Murray budget plan (H.J.Res. 59),2013-12-12,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I just cast a very difficult vote in favor of the bipartisan Ryan/Murray budget plan (H.J.Res. 59), which passed the House tonight. It will now head to the Senate where I expect it to pass in the coming days and be signed by the President. You sent me to Washington to do what is best for El Paso and the nation. Although this budget is an imperfect compromise containing many difficult choices, passing it was the right thing to do and it is a modest step toward a government that functions and serves the American people. This budget agreement will cover the next two years, ensuring that the government will not shut down and providing the stability and certainty our economy needs to continue recovering. The best part of this budget is that it will curb the mandatory and irrational cuts known as the sequester, which have directly harmed El Paso. Cuts at Fort Bliss caused civilian employees to be furloughed and continue to impact training and readiness. Cuts to education mean fewer funds for our schools and fewer Head Start slots for our children. Drastic reductions at NIH mean less doctors and scientists conducting life-saving research. The budget agreement provides much needed relief from the sequester and allow us to prioritize spending instead of blindly cutting. The agreement also provides $22 billion toward deficit reduction, putting us on a more stable fiscal track. It also ensures that Medicare doctors will not face a 24% cut next year, which would put the care of seniors at risk. Despite the positive parts of this deal, I am troubled by several provisions. Chief among my concerns is a 1% reduction in pension benefits for military retirees under age 62 and increased pension contributions for new federal employees. Federal employees, including about 20,000 in El Paso, have already contributed $122 billion in deficit reduction over the past several years. There is other waste we could cut in the budget, including weapons systems we do not need or outdated payments to agribusinesses, before asking public servants and military retirees to forgo earned benefits. I am also disappointed that the final deal fails to include an extension of unemployment insurance for the thousands of El Pasoans still struggling to find work. In Texas, the failure to extend jobless benefits means 70,000 people will lose benefits on December 28th. I have cosponsored legislation to protect these individuals and Congress should have taken this bill up before adjourning. Despite these shortcomings, our nation needed a budget and an end to constant crises. I could have voted no because the budget was not perfect, but the alternative to this budget would be a continuation of the failed status quo and political bickering. We have not had a budget in over three years. It is time to move forward.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-joins-house-democrats-to-urge-speaker-boehner-to-extend,Rep. Veasey Joins House Democrats to Urge Speaker Boehner to Extend Unemployment Benefits for Millions,2013-12-11,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C.—With only a few days left before Congress adjourns until January 2014, Congressman Marc Veasey TX-33, joined members of the House of Representatives calling on Speaker Boehner to take immediate action and extend unemployment benefits. “Our responsibility in Congress is to provide a lifeline program to individuals who need a helping hand, not ignore them,” said Congressman Veasey. “As Congress continues to work on a budget deal this week, we must not fail the American people by refusing to extend critical unemployment benefits for 1.3 million Americans, close to 68,900 of whom reside in Texas, in the midst of the holiday season.” The Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program protects over 1.3 million unemployed Americans. Congress has reauthorized the program 11 times since it was first enacted in 2008, and House Democrats have been pushing to do so again before the year-end deadline of December 28, 2013.  For a state-by-state breakdown of the effects, click here. The letter can be found on the Democratic Members Committee on Ways and Means website, click here. For Immediate Release:  Wednesday, December 11, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov ###   VEASEY.HOUSE.GOV      TWITTER              FACEBOOK          YOUTUBE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363995,Congressman Cuellar Announces Veterans’ Benefits Increase for 2014,2013-12-10,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the recent announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding a cost-of-living increase for veterans, families, and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits: “We have an obligation to care for America’s veterans and their families for their bravery and service to our country,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I support the passage of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013 because it bolsters the amount of funds provided to nearly 4 million veterans for disability compensation and to over 360,000 surviving family members for dependency and indemnity compensation. Ensuring that our veterans receive the benefits they deserve is of utmost importance to me, and I am proud to see this increase taking effect in 2014.” The 1.5 percent change will increase monthly benefits payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Among the veterans estimated to receive such compensation are 136,897 World War II veterans; 140,169 Korean Conflict veterans; 1,327,348 Vietnam-era veterans; 1,546,030 veterans of the Gulf War era; and 695,574 veterans who served during peacetime.  For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363997,Congressman Cuellar Announces Paid Internship Program with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Announces Paid Internship Program with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute f t # e Washington, December 9, 2013 Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute is currently accepting applications for its 2014 Internship Program. The program provides college students with a paid internship opportunity in a Congressional office and access to nationally renowned professional development programs. “My personal experiences in the nation's Capitol as a young college student shaped my entire life and career,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The fully-paid internship program provides college students an outstanding work experience in our nation’s capitol, leadership development programs, and the opportunity to network with other young professionals. I strongly encourage interested students to apply and enhance their education outside of the classroom.” For more information about the program benefits and requirements, visit the CHCI website here: http://www.chci.org/internships/ Application Deadline: Summer 2014 Congressional Internship—January 31, 2014 Fall 2014 Congressional Internship—April 25, 2014 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364069,Rep. Cuellar Announces 7.5 Million Texans Have Gained Access to Free Preventive Care Due to the ACA,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released figures highlighting the number of individuals in Texas who have gained access to free preventive care like recommended cancer screenings and immunizations because of the Affordable Care Act – including both individuals with private insurance and seniors enrolled in Medicare. Due to ACA, 5,198,000 Texans received expanded coverage of one or more preventive services in 2011 and 2012, according to an analysis by HHS.  Furthermore, due to ACA, 2,266,929 Medicare enrollees in Texas received one or more free preventive services in 2012, according to HHS. “The Affordable Care Act is allowing access to free recommended preventive services for hundreds of thousands of people in our state of Texas,” Congressman Cuellar said.  “The free recommended preventive services range from mammograms to colonoscopies to flu shots to cholesterol and blood pressure screenings.  These free services save lives.” “Preventing illnesses before they become serious and more costly to treat helps Americans of all ages stay healthier,” Congressman Cuellar added.  “No longer will these Americans have to choose between paying for preventive care and groceries.” Helping middle class families and American businesses take advantage of the benefits of the health care law like free preventive care should be a top priority for lawmakers in Washington.  Democrats and Republicans must work together to find a common sense ways to make any needed changes to the Affordable Care Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364075,Congressman Cuellar and Paco Valentin (USDA Rural Development Director) Announce Funds for Roma and Rio Grande City,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced the completion of two projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Rio Grande City and Roma.  In Roma, Congressman Cuellar spoke at the unveiling of new equipment purchased for Riverview Supermarket through the USDA Rural Energy for America Loan.  In Rio Grande City, spoke at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Casa de Adobe Restaurant, constructed through the USDA Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan.  Congressman Henry Cuellar presents a certificate to Riverview Supermarket in Roma, Texas, congratulating the owners for their successful renovation with the use of USDA funds.  “It is very important to me that business owners in the 28th District of Texas are aware of the federal resources that are available to them,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “I congratulate the owners of Riverview Supermarkets and Casa de Adobe for their ingenuity in utilizing every resource at their disposal to expand their businesses and contribute to their communities. I would also like to thank USDA Rural Development for, once again, making a difference in a real, tangible way for residents in Starr County. I look forward to seeing the businesses in our communities continue to flourish.” Congressman Henry Cuellar participates in the ribbon cutting of Casa de Adobe restaurant in Rio Grande City, purchase and constructed with funds from USDA.  “These funding announcements represent the diversity of assistance USDA Rural Development can provide communities to increase the quality of life for residents and enhance business development in rural Texas,” said Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin.  “From providing funding for energy efficient equipment for a local supermarket, to supplying needed support for construction and operation of a new restaurant, Rural Development is pleased to assist these recipients with projects that will benefit the entire community.” Congresista Cuellar y Paco Valentín (Director de Desarrollo Rural de USDA) anuncian fondos para Roma y Rio Grande City Rio Grande City, Texas – El lunes, 9 de Diciembre, el Congresista Henry Cuellar anunciará la finalización de proyectos financiados por el Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (USDA), en Rio Grande City y Roma. En Roma, el Congresista Cuellar hablará sobre la inauguración del equipo nuevo del Supermercado de Riverview que recibió fondos del Rural Energy for America Loan de USDA. En Rio Grande City, el Congresista dará palabras en la apertura del restaurante Casa de Adobe, el cual fue construido por fondos del Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan de USDA.  “Es muy importante para mí que los propietarios de pequeñas empresas en el distrito 28 de Texas se den cuenta de los recursos federales que están disponibles para ellos,” dijo el Congresista Cuellar. “Felicito a los dueños de supermercados de Riverview y Casa de Adobe por su ingenio en la utilización de todos los recursos a su disposición para ampliar sus negocios y contribuir a sus comunidades. Además, me gustaría dar las gracias al Desarrollo Rural de USDA por sus contribuciones importantes y tangibles a la vida de los residentes en el Condado de Starr. Espero poder ver a los negocios en nuestras comunidades seguir creciendo.” ""Los anuncios de estos fondos representan la diversidad de la asistencia que el Desarrollo Rural del USDA puede proporcionar a las comunidades para aumentar la calidad de vida de los residentes y mejorar el desarrollo empresarial en las zonas rurales de Texas"", dijo el Director de Desarrollo Rural, Paco Valentín. “El Desarrollo Rural de USDA se complace en ayudar a recipientes con proyectos que beneficiarán a toda la comunidad si sea con fondos para equipo eficiente en un supermercado local o apoyo necesario para la construcción y operación de un nuevo restaurante.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=364091,Congressman Cuellar Hosts Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for Starr County,2013-12-09,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Saturday, December 7h, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) hosted a Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for residents of Starr County.  The event was open and free to the public and provided presentations on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces.  Over 120 participants had the opportunity to enroll in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, with assistance provided by local, certified organizations. “The new health insurance marketplace provides an opportunity for Texans to take personal responsibility for the costs of their health care and gain universal access to quality and affordable health insurance,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The District I represent includes some of the counties that have the highest rate of uninsured Americans in the country – in Starr County alone, 34.6 percent of residents do not have health insurance (source: Center for American Progress). This is why I have partnered with local agencies and organizations to host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop in Rio Grande City to raise awareness and educate the public.” Congresista Cuellar lleva a cabo taller comunitario sobre nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos para condado de Starr Rio Grande City, Texas- El sábado 7 de diciembre, la oficina del Congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) ofreció un taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos para el condado de Starr. La oficina del congresista coordinó este taller en conjunto con organizaciones de la comunidad y agencias.  El taller fue gratis y abierto al público. Más de 120 participantes tenían la oportunidad de inscribirse en el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos, con la asistencia de algunas organizaciones certificadas y locales. “El nuevo mercado de seguros médicos permitirá al pueblo tejano tomar responsabilidad sobre los costos de cuidados médicos y proveer acceso universal a seguro medico de calidad alto y precio razonable,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar. “El distrito que yo represento incluye condados con los índices más altos de ciudadanos sin seguro médico en el país- 34.6  por ciento de los residentes del condado de Starr  no tiene seguro médico (fuente: Center for American Progress). Por esta razón, en asociación con agencias locales y organizaciones, vamos a presentar este taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos así poder educar al público sobre este importante tema.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-fasts-day-solidarity-comprehensive-immigration-reform,Congressman Al Green Fasts for a Day in Solidarity for Comprehensive Immigration Reform,2013-12-08,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)--On December 8, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) joined with other Members of Congress to fast for a day to raise awareness on the need for progress on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. The fast was begun by Eliseo Medina, International Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, who fasted with advocates for 22 days as part of “Fast 4 Families: A Call for Immigration Reform and Citizenship.” Beginning on December 3, 2013, Congressional lawmakers joined in the fast, taking turns fasting for 24 hours: one lawmaker fasts then passes the fast on to another lawmaker the following day. On Sunday, December 8, 2013, at 11am EST, Congressman Tony Cardenas (CA-29) will pass his fast to Congressman Al Green. Congressman Al Green will then pass his fast to Congressman Emanuel Clever (MO-05) on Monday, December 9, 2013, at 11am EST. “Fasting for 24 hours is something I will gladly do if it raises awareness about the issue of comprehensive immigration reform,” Congressman Al Green said. “Allowing certain communities to continue to exist in this climate of consistent uncertainty about their status in our nation is unacceptable and unconscionable.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-travels-south-africa-attend-memorial-service-nelson-mandela,Congressman Al Green Travels to South Africa to Attend the Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela,2013-12-08,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Al Green Travels to South Africa to Attend the Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela Dec 8, 2013 (Washington, DC)—On December 8, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa on an official Congressional delegation trip to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Congressman Al Green will join fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other leaders from the US in honoring the legacy of the South African leader. Mandela’s decades-long fight against Apartheid and subsequent leadership of South Africa has inspired multiple generations of lawmakers. Congressman Al Green counts Mandela as one of his personal heroes; in his Houston district office he has two large pictures of both Mandela and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that are actually drawn on newspaper articles about them. “I am honored to be one of the many US lawmakers traveling to South Africa to memorialize the great Nelson Mandela,” Congressman Al Green said. “Mandela’s impressive legacy is one of courage, dignity, and righteousness in the face of hatred. May Mandela’s life and accomplishments serve as a timeless example of the triumph of justice.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140913063958/http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/monday-job-fair-postponed-due-to-winter-weather,Monday: Job Fair Postponed due to winter weather,2013-12-08,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Fort Worth, TX – The following scheduled event has been postponed due to winter weather: WHO: Congressman Marc Veasey, the Texas Workforce Commission WHAT: 33rd Congressional District Job Fair WHEN: Monday, December 9, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.   WHERE: Tarrant County Resource Connection Conference Center, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119 The event is to be rescheduled at later date. For more information please call, 817-920-9086 and visit http:/Veasey.House.Gov for updates. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363702,Congressman Cuellar Speaks at the 72nd Annual Pearl Harbor Commemoration,2013-12-07,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Saturday, December 7th, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) provided remarks at the 72nd Annual Pearl Harbor Commemoration in Laredo, Texas. The event is dedicated to honor World War II veterans for their service and valor. A copy of his remarks may be found below ·      “But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory” – President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the day after attack, 12/08/1941 ·      Today we remember a day that, as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said, will forever live in infamy ·      72 years ago today, the United States suffered a massive and unprovoked attack on our own soil ·      2,400 Americans were killed, over 1,200 were wounded, and188 warships were destroyed ·      Today, we commemorate a day that will never be forgotten… ·      …and pay tribute to the families who lost a loved one 72 years ago ·      Here in Laredo, we are proud to have played a part in the heroic actions of those were present at Pearl Harbor ·      Over 2,000 men and women from Laredo served our country during World War II – only 50-70 remain with us today    ·      Laredoans served in all parts of the war effort, in bombs, tanks, ships, on the ground, and in leadership positions ·      200 were killed in action and 50 percent came home wounded ·      On the day of the Pearl Harbor attack, 4 native Laredoans were present on the ground – their heroic actions are an honor to the City and today we remember them ·      In today’s post-9/11 world, we are unfortunately all too familiar with unexpected attacks and their tragic consequences ·      But like on 9/11, the attack on Pearl Harbor showed the true nature of the American spirit and the Laredo spirit – indomitable ·      Like the troops who serve in Iraq or Afghanistan, the firefighters and policemen who rushed into the Towers on 9/11, our World War II veterans demonstrated courage and resolve in defending their fellow countrymen ·      There are only a few thousand Pearl Harbor survivors still alive – we continue to lose members of the Greatest Generation ·      However, we will never forget the example they set for us of heroism, of bravery, and of selfless service to America ·      Thank you to our veterans and God Bless",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/filipino-community-town-hall-meeting-recent-congressional-delegation-philippines,Filipino Community Town Hall Meeting on Recent Congressional Delegation to the Philippines,2013-12-06,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)—On December 6, 2013, Congressman Al Green hosted a town hall meeting on his recent Congressional delegation trip to survey the areas damaged by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Congressman Al Green was in the Philippines from November 23 to 26, 2013, along with Congressmen Chris Smith (NJ-04) and Trent Franks (AZ-08). Congressman Al Green was joined by individuals and leaders from the Filipino community, as well as other interested parties for the meeting, at the International Trade Center on 11110 Bellaire Blvd. Congressman Al Green, with the aid of a slide-show of pictures he took while in the Philippines, discussed conversations he had with locals and local leaders in the Philippines, the magnitude of the damage he witnessed first-hand, as well as the aid efforts by the U.S. military and aid organizations. As one of the countries hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines has suffered the loss of more than 5,000 people, and 11.2 million people have been affected. “I saw first-hand the extent of this human tragedy on the Filipino people. While it was saddening to see so much damage and destruction, it was heartening to meet so many Filipinos hopeful in the face of adversity and optimistic about the future,” Congressman Al Green said. “I also met many brave American troops and saw them in action, helping our long-standing ally recover from this tragedy.” Congressman Al Green also detailed his recent legislative effort, H.R. 3602, which would grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals in the U.S. for a period of up to 18 months after its enactment. The Filipino nationals would have to demonstrate that they have been continuously present in the U.S. since November 8, 2013. More than $10 billion in remittances to the Philippines come from Filipinos living abroad, totaling 10 percent of the gross domestic product of the Filipino economy. This is especially important as more than 40 percent of the population of the Philippines live on less than two dollars a day. “During this difficult time, it is important that we as a nation renew our solidarity with the Filipino people, who are our long-standing allies. The people of the Philippines have suffered greatly,” Congressman Al Green said. “Allowing Filipino nationals, continuously present in the U.S. since November 8, 2013, to stay in our nation and continue to earn money to send back to their homeland is some of the best assistance our nation can offer.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363613,Congressman Cuellar Calls for End to Damaging Sequester as Budget Negotiations Continue,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, December 5th, Congressman Henry Cuellar released the following statement calling for an end to the damaging, 10 year sequester to boost economic growth and create jobs in 2014: “I call on my colleagues Chairman Ryan and Chairwoman Murray to focus on ending the damaging sequester cuts as part of their discussions.  The sequester has had an immensely harmful impact on our economy, stunting growth, cutting key services to veterans and seniors, and blocking the creation of jobs.  We must certainly find ways to balance the federal budget and reduce wasteful spending.  However, I believe that we cannot balance the budget on the backs of students, seniors, and the middle class.  Democrats and Republicans must put all options on the table and start to make some of the tough choices.  Even if we cannot reach a grand bargain on spending before the continuing resolution expires in February, we cannot allow the country to continue to suffer from the irrational cuts of the sequester.  During the first year of the sequester, federal agencies had the flexibility to move around funds and cover gaps in revenue.  During the second year, they will not have that option and the cuts will hurt more.  A few key negative impacts include: ·         A 1.2 percent cut to GDP in 2014 and loss of 4,400 jobs a day or 1.6 million jobs over the year ·         Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) funding cut would serve 214,000 fewer eligible applicants than 2013. ·         22% overall cut education programs would result in 240,000 fewer children with access to Head Start and Early Head Start ·         Continues steady decline in Army Corps of Engineers construction on water resource infrastructure, despite $60 billion backlog of authorized projects. ·         The sequester level puts economic growth at risk by requiring a defense cut of $47.75 billion – the armed forces would lose readiness capability due to fiscal uncertainty and funds for operations & maintenance, procurement, research & development, and health care for injured service members would be cut In my home state of Texas, the second year of the sequester will have an even more damaging effect.  Sequester cuts would almost certainly cause furloughs for federal workers across the State of Texas, including border patrol agents, civilian employees and contractors in bases across the state, and others.  These furloughs could cut the federal services that Texans receive, cut paychecks of Texas federal workers, and cause delays at land ports of entry would slow down trade and commerce and negatively affect Texas businesses.  My hometown of Laredo is the largest inland port in the country, handling 45 percent of U.S. trade with Mexico.  Further delays at the border because of furloughs are unacceptable and harmful to trade and our relationship with our southern neighbor.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363615,Congressman Cuellar Releases Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Releases Statement on Passing of Nelson Mandela f t # e Washington, December 5, 2013 On Thursday, December 5th, Congressman Cuellar (D-TX28) released a statement on the passing of anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela. “Today the world lost a hero of the anti-apartheid movement and a model for the pursuit of justice and peace worldwide,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “Nelson Mandela’s dignity in the face of fear and discrimination created a path for all of us in our quest to build a fairer world.  He inspired the people of South Africa to move beyond one of the most painful period of their history and embrace equal rights for all of their citizens.  Mandela leaves a legacy of striving to find the good and the promise in all people and I hope we will see the likes of such a leader again.  I send my condolences to the family of Mandela and to the people of South Africa.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-on-the-passing-of-nelson-mandela,Rep. Veasey Statement on the Passing of Nelson Mandela,2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33, released the following statement on the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela: “Nelson Mandela has been a courageous hero of the international civil rights movement. His life stands as a timeless example of freedom, justice and sacrifice for the greater good of South Africa and the world. As the first black President of South Africa, his courageous lifelong commitment to the principles of democracy have - and continue to - inspire me.  Even today in America, the freest nation on Earth, we should strive to live by his example as our fight for justice and equal rights continues.” – U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, TX-33 ### For Immediate Release:  Thursday, December 5, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301101025/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/voted-yes-on-innovation-act-hr-3309,Voted "Yes" on Innovation Act (H.R. 3309),2013-12-05,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The House passed the Innovation Act (H.R. 3309) by a bipartisan vote of 325-91. I voted yes because it will help protect entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and limit abusive litigation by companies who purchase broad patents and then sue for infringement. These companies are commonly known as patent trolls and abusive patent litigation costs our economy $29 billion each year. H.R. 3309 reduces the chilling effect of abusive patent litigation by patent trolls. These practices include using the threat of costly lawsuits to pressure smaller companies into settling out of court or suing without specifying which patent has supposedly been violated. H.R. 3309 shifts fees to deter patent trolls from filing frivolous lawsuits and requires plaintiffs to specify the exact reason they are suing, avoiding unnecessarily expensive discovery costs that often deter defendant companies from innovation and growth. Patent trolls have also been known to abuse product end-users (for example, coffee shops who provide wi-fi have been the target of legal threats), who often lack knowledge of the patent process and might not realize they own products in violation of patent law. H.R. 3309 protects end-users from these predatory practices, which can inhibit business growth and job creation. While the bill is not a perfect solution to all of the problems within the patent system, it represents a good start in shifting the burden of frivolous litigation from small business defendants to the patent trolls themselves. Given that the Senate is expected to address the bill next year and the President has expressed his support, I am hopeful these policies will become law and will protect American innovators from patent law abuse.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-announces-new-north-texas-economic-data,Rep. Veasey announces new North Texas economic data,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"DALLAS- FORT WORTH, TEXAS-- U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33, today highlighted new economic data showing jobs progress in Dallas-Fort Worth and called for Congressional action to accelerate economic development and jobs recovery.   According to a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the North Texas economy has grown at a “moderately strong pace” and is outperforming the state.  The Dallas–Fort Worth Economic Indicators report, released on the third Thursday of each month, provides economic data and analysis about the region.   Year to date, Dallas–Fort Worth employment has grown 2.9 percent, which is above the state’s rate of 2.4 percent.  Housing activity remains at high levels, and home prices continue to rise as inventories fall. Demand for industrial space has led to the lowest availability rates since 2007.   Though Dallas and Fort Worth unemployment rates remain below those of the U.S and Texas, and the Dallas Fed Business-Cycle Indexes suggest continued expansion for the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey remains focused on strengthening jobs, the economy and the middle class.   “While the economy is showing signs of improvement, there are still a lot of people looking for work,” said Rep. Veasey. “Job growth has been a top priority during my first term in Congress and, next week, I am bringing the region’s top job-creators together with metroplex job-seekers, for the first 33rd Congressional District Job Fair to help workers find good jobs, which will put dollars right back into our local economy. Back in Washington there is still much work to do to ensure this fragile recovery continues. Congress must work in a bipartisan way to put our nation back on track with a commonsense budget that will strengthen job creation and the economy while continuing to reduce the budget deficit in a balanced and responsible way.”   The 33rd Congressional District Job Fair will take place on Monday, December 9, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Tarrant County Resource Connection Conference Center, located at 2300 Circle Drive in Fort Worth. The job fair is free and open to the public.   ###   News Advisory Link:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301200817/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/letters/department-of-education-response-re-episd-cheating-investigation,Department of Education Response Re: EPISD Cheating Investigation,2013-12-03,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,El Paso North Oregon District Office,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363442,Seniors save over $200M on prescription drugs in Texas under ACA,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday, December 2nd, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) announced the release of a new report by the Centers for Medicare and Medicare demonstrating how Affordable Care Act has reduced costs of prescription drug costs for seniors in the State of Texas.  In Texas, 233,114 seniors and people with disabilities saved $201,876,665, or an average of $866 per beneficiary, during the first 10 months of 2013. Overall, seniors in Texas have saved $551,694,997 since passage of the Affordable Care Act. At the same time, these seniors will be free to use more of their Social Security benefit cost of living adjustment on what they choose because the Medicare Part B premium will not increase in 2014.  “Seniors across the State of Texas rely on Medicare to cover their basic healthcare needs,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar, “and I am pleased to see that their costs have decreased during 2013.  Prescription drug costs can be a huge burden on seniors, especially those seniors living under the Medicare Part D donut hole that fails to cover costs that are not catastrophic.  I encourage seniors and their families to take full advantage of these new benefits and educate themselves about their update coverage.  My office stands ready to help so please reach out should you need any assistance.” News on the continued savings on prescription drugs comes on the heels of new information showing historically low levels of growth in Medicare spending. For example:  CMS recently announced that the Medicare’s Part B premium will not increase in 2014, and that the last five years have been among the slowest periods of average Part B premium growth in the program’s history. The Part B deductible will also not increase, having decreased in 2013.  The Part B premium and deductible for 2014 are 15 percent below what was projected in 2010, the year the Affordable Care Act was enacted. Also as a result of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans remain stable and strong. Earlier this year, CMS announced that the average Medicare Advantage (MA) premium in 2014 is projected to be $32.60. CMS also estimated that the average basic Medicare prescription drug plan premium in 2014 is projected to be $31 per month, holding steady for 4 years in a row. The deductible for standard Part D plans will decline by $15 in 2014, to $310. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, average MA premiums are down by 9.8 percent. - Since enactment of the Affordable Care Act, the life of the Medicare trust fund has been extended by nearly ten years, till 2026. For more information about Medicare’s prescription drug benefits, please visit:  http://www.medicare.gov/part-d/.  The Annual Open Enrollment period for health and drug plans began on October 15 and ends on December 7. For more information on Medicare Open Enrollment and to compare benefits and prices of 2014 Medicare health and drug plans, please visit: http://www.cms.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open-Enrollment-Center.html.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363444,Congressman Cuellar to Host Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for Zapata County,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, December 12th, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop for residents of Zapata County.  The event is open and free to the public and will provide presentations on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces. Participants will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Health Insurance Marketplace with assistance provided by local, certified organizations.  “The new health insurance marketplace provides an opportunity for Texans to take personal responsibility for the costs of their health care and gain universal access to quality and affordable health insurance,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The District I represent includes some of the counties that have the highest rate of uninsured Americans in the country – in Zapata County alone, 35.3 percent of residents do not have health insurance. This is why I have partnered with local agencies and organizations to host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop in Zapata to raise awareness and educate the public.” For those tweeting during the event, use the hashtag #GetCoveredZapata and tag @RepCuellar. WHAT:                        Zapata County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop WHO:                           Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)                                       Enroll America                                       Doctors Hospital of Laredo                                       South Texas Development Council                                       Zapata County ISD                                       Cognosante                                       Zapata County WHEN:                        Thursday, December 12th at 6:00pm                                      (Open enrollment in computer labs)                                       English Sessions:  6:30pm    7:50pm                                      Spanish Sessions: 7:10pm     8:30pm     WHERE:                     Zapata County Technical Advanced Education Center (ZTAC)                                                                                                         605 N. Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas 78076     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     El jueves 12 de diciembre, la oficina del Congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) ofrecerá un taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos para el condado de Zapata. La oficina del congresista coordinará este taller en conjunto con organizaciones de la comunidad y agencias.  El taller es gratis y abierto al público. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de inscribirse en el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos, con la asistencia de algunas organizaciones certificadas y locales. “El nuevo mercado de seguros médicos permitirá al pueblo tejano tomar responsabilidad sobre los costos de cuidados médicos y proveer acceso universal a seguro medico de calidad alto y precio razonable,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar. “El distrito que yo represento incluye condados con los índices más altos de ciudadanos sin seguro médico en el país- 35.3  por ciento de los residentes del condado de Zapata no tiene seguro médico. Por esta razón, en asociación con agencias locales y organizaciones, vamos a presentar este taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos así poder educar al público sobre este importante tema.” Si está usando Twitter durante el evento, utilize el hashtag #EnrollStarr el tag @RepCuellar. WHAT:                        Zapata County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop WHO:                           Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)                                       Enroll America                                       Doctors Hospital of Laredo                                       South Texas Development Council                                       Zapata County ISD                                       Cognosante                                       Zapata County WHEN:                        Thursday, December 12th at 6:00pm                                      (Open enrollment in computer labs)                                       English Sessions:  6:30pm    7:50pm                                      Spanish Sessions: 7:10pm     8:30pm   WHERE:                      Zapata County Technical Advanced Education Center (ZTAC)                                                                                                          605 N. Hwy 83 Zapata, Texas 78076",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363448,Congressman Cuellar to Announce USDA Rural Development Funds for Roma and Rio Grande City,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Monday, November 9th, Congressman Henry Cuellar will announce the completion of two projects funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Rio Grande City and Roma.   In Roma, Congressman Cuellar will speak at the unveiling of new equipment purchased for Riverview Supermarket through the USDA Rural Energy for America Loan.  In Rio Grande City, he will speak at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Casa de Adobe Restaurant, constructed through the USDA Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan.      “It is very important to me that business owners in the 28th District of Texas are aware of the federal resources that are available to them,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “I congratulate the owners of Riverview Supermarkets and Casa de Adobe for their ingenuity in utilizing every resource at their disposal to expand their businesses and contribute to their communities. I would also like to thank USDA Rural Development for, once again, making a difference in a real, tangible way for residents in Starr County. I look forward to seeing the businesses in our communities continue to flourish.” What:    Unveiling of Updates at Riverview Supermarket in Roma & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Casa de Adobe Restaurant in Rio Grande City Who: Participants will include: Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) USDA Rural Development State Director Paco Valentin Starr County Judge Eloy Very State Representative Ryan Guillen Rio Grande City Mayor Ruben Villarreal When:   Monday, December 9       10:00 am CT – Rural Energy for American Loan Unveiling at Riverview Supermarket       11:00 am CT – Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Ribbon Ceremony at Casa de Adobe  Where:  10:00 am CT – 776 East Grant Street, Roma, Texas 78584               11:00 am CT – 101 N. Avasolo Ave, Rio Grande City, Texas 78582",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-doggett-we-must-act-immigration-reform,Rep. Doggett: We Must Act on Immigration Reform,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"December 2, 2013 Rep. Doggett spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today, calling on Speaker Boehner to bring comprehensive immigration reform to the floor. The only thing preventing a bipartisan response to the immigration problems we have in this country is the unwillingness of the Speaker to permit a bipartisan vote on reform legislation. View the floor speech here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131213185142/http://doggett.house.gov:80/index.php/news/598-rep-doggett-we-must-act-on-immigration-reform,Rep. Doggett: We Must Act on Immigration Reform,2013-12-02,2013,2013-12,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Doggett: We Must Act on Immigration Reform December 2, 2013 Rep. Doggett spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives today, calling on Speaker Boehner to bring comprehensive immigration reform to the floor. “The only thing preventing a bipartisan response to the immigration problems we have in this country is the unwillingness of the Speaker to permit a bipartisan vote on reform legislation.”   View the floor speech here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-sets-aside-time-thanksgiving-call-families-some-texas-troops-he,Congressman Al Green Sets Aside Time on Thanksgiving to Call the Families of Some Texas Troops He Met While in the Philippines,2013-11-29,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)--On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2013, Congressman Al Green set aside time to call the families of some Texas troops that were stationed on Leyte Island in the Philippines to express his admiration for their service and let family members know that their loved ones are doing well. Congressman Al Green met the troops while recently on a Congressional delegation trip to the Philippines, where he met with local leaders and surveyed the areas damaged by Supertyphoon Haiyan.  “Our troops have not only improved conditions but also in so doing saved lives,” Congressman Al Green said. One example of a rescue mission occurred while Congressman Al Green was onboard a C130 Transport from Leyte to Manila. A call was received indicating that a helicopter had gone down off the shore. The C130 was asked to search for the two persons who went down.        Fortunately, they were able to spot the survivors, remain in the area, and provide information on their location, until a rescue vessel arrived. Prior to the arrival of the rescue vessel, the marines onboard the C130 dropped a life raft for the survivors. This provided Congressman Al Green with an opportunity to see first-hand how quickly and effectively our assets can respond to a crisis. On the way over in the C130, Congressman Al Green had the honor of being on the flight deck commanded by Major Angel Hooper, who did an outstanding job supervising her co-pilot-in-training. Congressman Al Green spoke with the families of ten marines, left messages for two others, and has three families left to contact. The families were all excited to hear from someone who had recently seen their loved ones serving well. They all expressed gratitude, joy, and at least one mom seemed to have expressed tears of joy. “We all appreciate the hard-work and dedication of our brave men and women in uniform, who in the name of freedom go to distant places, risk their lives and limbs, and do not always return home the way they left,” Congressman Al Green said.  “Visiting with our troops and passing along a message to their families is the least I, as the representative of a grateful nation, can do to provide them some degree of comfort. I pray that all of our troops will return home safely.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thanksgiving-message,A Thanksgiving message,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we give thanks, let us recall those who still seek the security of a steady job. I joined with U.S. Rep. Sanchez and Senator Reed and other to urge Congress to extend emergency Unemplyment Insurance to help the long-term unemployed. You can view my remarks below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131213185137/http://doggett.house.gov:80/index.php/news/597-a-thanksgiving-message,A Thanksgiving message,2013-11-27,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A Thanksgiving message As we give thanks, let us recall those who still seek the security of a steady job. I joined with U.S. Rep. Sanchez and Senator Reed and other to urge Congress to extend emergency Unemplyment Insurance to help the long-term unemployed. You can view my remarks below.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363018,Congressman Cuellar Holds Service Academy Informational Session for High School Students,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Holds Service Academy Informational Session for High School Students f t # e Laredo, Texas, November 25, 2013 On Monday, November 25th, Congressman Henry Cuellar will host a service academy informational session open to high school students and their parents.  The session will include information about the nation’s prestigious service academies and the Congressional nomination process required to apply.  A Naval Academy representative will be on hand to provide perspective and suggestions on the application process.   “Our country will always need new young leaders to step forward and answer the call to serve,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “I am hosting this event to help young people prepare for the extensive and highly competitive application process to attend a U.S. service academy. Service academies offer outstanding educational opportunities and provide excellent skill sets for a military career. I am grateful for Naval Academy Midshipman Gavyn Gonzales, who will be joining us to provide a presentation and answer questions. I encourage all interested students to attend and learn how we can help them.”   What:    Service Academy Day with Congressman Henry Cuellar When:   Monday, November 25 at 1:00PM CT Where:  Texas Roadhouse – 5722 San Bernardo              Laredo, Texas 78041Who:     Pete Arguello, Service Academy Liaison for Congressman Cuellar’s                Office and Naval Academy Representative   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-hosts-33rd-congressional-district-job-fair,Rep. Veasey Hosts 33rd Congressional District Job Fair,2013-11-25,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fort Worth, TX – Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), along with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), will host the 33rd Congressional District Job Fair in Fort Worth on Monday, December 9, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to help local residents find good jobs in the community. This event is part of Rep. Veasey’s efforts to create jobs and rebuild the economy. The free job fair will connect dozens of employers with hundreds of job seekers in the Metroplex region and will feature workshops on topics such as networking, and writing resumes. WHO:              Congressman Marc Veasey, the Texas Workforce Commission WHAT:           33rd Congressional District Job Fair WHEN:           Monday, December 9, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WHERE:         Tarrant County Resource Connection Conference Center, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119 RSVP:             This event is FREE and open to the public. MEDIA: For more information or to schedule interviews with Rep. Marc Veasey in advance of this event please contact, Jessica Coscia at 202-225-9897 or by email at Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov For more event information call 817-920-9086 or visit https:/Veasey.House.Gov ### FOR PLANNING PURPOSES:  Tuesday, November 26, 2013 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363019,Congressman Cuellar to Host Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for Starr County,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Saturday, December 7h, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for residents of Starr County.  The event is open and free to the public and will provide presentations on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces.  Participants will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Health Insurance Marketplace, with assistance provided by local, certified organizations.  “The new health insurance marketplace provides an opportunity for Texans to take personal responsibility for the costs of their health care and gain universal access to quality and affordable health insurance,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The District I represent includes some of the counties that have the highest rate of uninsured Americans in the country – in Starr County alone, 34.6 percent of residents do not have health insurance (source: Center for American Progress). This is why I have partnered with local agencies and organizations to host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop in Rio Grande City to raise awareness and educate the public.”   For those tweeting during the event, use the hashtag #EnrollStarr and tag @RepCuellar. WHAT:                        Starr County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar WHO:                           Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)                                       Migrant Health Promotion                                       Nuestra Clinica del Valle                                       Senior Community Outreach Services, Inc.                                       Valley Baptists Health System                                       AARP                                       Cognosante                                       Enroll America                                       Young Invincibles                                       Starr County                                       Starr County Industrial Foundation                                       South Texas College WHEN:                        Saturday, December 7th English Sessions: 10:00am                               11:20am                                 1:30pm                                   2:50pm                                Spanish Sessions: 10:40am                                12:00pm                                 2:10pm                                 3:30pm                        WHERE:                      South Texas College -General Academics Building E                                       142 N FM 3167                                       Rio Grande City, Texas 78582 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- El Congresista Cuellar invita al condado de Starr a participar en taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos Rio Grande City, Texas- El sábado 7 de diciembre, la oficina del Congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) ofrecerá un taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos para el condado de Starr. La oficina del congresista coordinará este taller en conjunto con organizaciones de la comunidad y agencias.  El taller es gratis y abierto al público. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de inscribirse en el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos, con la asistencia de algunas organizaciones certificadas y locales. “El nuevo mercado de seguros médicos permitirá al pueblo tejano tomar responsabilidad sobre los costos de cuidados médicos y proveer acceso universal a seguro medico de calidad alto y precio razonable,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar. “El distrito que yo represento incluye condados con los índices más altos de ciudadanos sin seguro médico en el país- 34.6  por ciento de los residentes del condado de Starr  no tiene seguro médico (fuente: Center for American Progress). Por esta razón, en asociación con agencias locales y organizaciones, vamos a presentar este taller comunitario sobre el nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos así poder educar al público sobre este importante tema.” Si está usando Twitter durante el evento, utilize el hashtag #EnrollStarr el tag @RepCuellar.   EVENTO:                     Starr County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar PARTICIPANTES:     Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28)                                       Migrant Health Promotion                                       Nuestra Clinica del Valle                                       Senior Community Outreach Services, Inc.                                       Valley Baptists Health System                                       AARP                                       Cognosante                                       Enroll America                                       Young Invincibles                                       Starr County                                       Starr County Industrial Foundation                                       South Texas College FECHA:                       Saturday, December 7th   English Sessions: 10:00am                               11:20am                                 1:30pm                                   2:50pm                                Spanish Sessions: 10:40am                                12:00pm                                 2:10pm                                 3:30pm                  UBICACIÓN:              South Texas College -General Academics Building E                                       142 N FM 3167                                       Rio Grande City, Texas 78582",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363020,Congressman Cuellar to Host Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for Wilson County,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar to Host Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for Wilson County f t # e Washington, November 22, 2013 On Thursday, December 5th, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a Health Insurance Marketplace Workshop for residents of Wilson County.  The event is open and free to the public and will provide presentations on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces.  Participants will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Health Insurance Marketplace with assistance provided by local, certified organizations. “The new health insurance marketplace provides an opportunity for Texans to take personal responsibility for the costs of their health care and gain universal access to quality and affordable health insurance,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “The District I represent includes some of the counties that have the highest rate of uninsured Americans in the country – in Wilson County alone, 21 percent of residents do not have health insurance. This is why I have partnered with local agencies and organizations to host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Workshop in Floresville to raise awareness and educate the public.”  For those tweeting during the event, use the hashtag #GetCoveredWilson and tag @RepCuellar.    WHAT: Wilson County Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar WHO: Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) Cognosante Enroll America Young Invincibles  Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) Wilson Community Health Center Texas Organizing Project WHEN: Thursday, December 5th at 6:00pm WHERE:  Alamo Colleges Floresville Center  1813 Tiger Lane, Floresville, Texas 78114   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-reflects-on-the-50th-anniversary-of-jfk-assassination-0,Rep. Veasey Reflects on the 50th Anniversary of JFK Assassination,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy:   ""Today, as we pause to mark 50 years since President John F. Kennedy’s tragic assassination, we are reminded that there is still much to accomplish to fulfill his legacy of public service, cultural education and the fight toward achieving racial and gender equality.”   “President John F. Kennedy defied a tumultuous era of racial and gender discrimination by promoting forward thinking policies for the sake of progress. Kennedy defined the civil rights crisis as moral, as well as constitutional and legal. After his death, his civil rights legacy served as a catalyst for historic social advancements.  Yet, it seems as though we are still plagued by the same issues he fought to combat.”   “Though not passed before President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were left in the hands of his Vice President, Texan Lyndon B. Johnson. LBJ vowed to see Kennedy’s civil rights bills passed through to law as a way to honor his predecessor’s legacy of advocating for justice, racial equality, and the right to vote. The recent decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the very heart of the Voting Rights Act now leaves our nation vulnerable to laws, similar to those in the 1950's and '60s, that make the voting difficult for many Americans.”   “Sadly, Texas leads the nation in the passing of laws that make suffrage in our state far too challenging for too many. I will continue to fight these unjust statutes in Texas and in any other state that compromises our American values. President Kennedy helped to pave the way for equality and justice. Now, it is our job as Members of Congress to continue his work.”   “As we commemorate President Kennedy’s life and legacy, I call upon my colleagues to put partisanship aside and to work together to ensure that all Americans are granted full equality regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or color.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/all-those-affected-oct-floods-central-texas,For all those affected by Oct. floods in Central Texas,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 22, 2013 Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available for qualifying homeowners or renters in Central Texas for damage arising from the recent flooding. You can find more information about eligibility, benefits, and the application process by clicking on the following link: U.S. SBA Fact Sheet - Disaster Loans",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20131213185132/http://doggett.house.gov:80/index.php/news/596-for-all-those-affected-by-oct-floods-in-central-texas,For all those affected by Oct. floods in Central Texas,2013-11-22,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"For all those affected by Oct. floods in Central Texas November 22, 2013 Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available for qualifying homeowners or renters in Central Texas for damage arising from the recent flooding. You can find more information about eligibility, benefits, and the application process by clicking on the following links: U.S. Small Business Administration notice of a declaration of disaster U.S. SBA Fact Sheet - Disaster Loans Release: U.S. SBA offers disaster assistance to Texas residents and businesses affected by the severe flooding",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-requests-temporary-protected-status-filipino-nationals-us-light,"Congressman Al Green Requests Temporary Protected Status for Filipino Nationals in the US, in Light of the Tragedy Their Country Has Suffered",2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)--On November 21, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) introduced a bill which would grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals for a period of 18 months after its enactment. The Filipino nationals would have to demonstrate that they have been lawfully and continuously present in the U.S. since November 8, 2013. TPS allows eligible nationals of designated countries who do not legally qualify as refugees, but are nonetheless fleeing or reluctant to return to potentially dangerous situations, to temporarily remain in the U.S. TPS prevents eligible individuals from forcibly being removed from the U.S. (individuals under deportation proceedings or whose visas are expiring) to return to homelands where the living conditions have been substantially disrupted.  “During this difficult time, it is important that we as a nation renew our solidarity with the Filipino people, who are our long-standing allies,” Congressman Al Green said. “The people of the Philippines have suffered greatly and I think providing them with TPS is necessary to help them attain a sense of stability in the U.S. while their country recovers.” Typhoon Haiyan, the second most destructive typhoon the Philippines has suffered ever, has killed at least 4,000 people and destroyed nearly 20,000 homes. According to the Filipino government, 9.5 million people—10 percent of the country— have been affected. The U.S. military has directed Marines and Sailors to the affected areas, provided aircraft to support in search and rescue efforts, and donated $37 million for the recovery effort.  “As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I will continue to work with my colleagues to help those affected by this tragedy,” Congressman Al Green said. “A crisis of this magnitude will require all people of good will to do what they can to help those that are in need.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-travels-philippines-assess-damage-and-meet-government-officials,Congressman Al Green Travels to the Philippines to Assess the Damage and Meet with Government Officials,2013-11-21,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)—On November 21, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) announced he will be traveling to the Philippines on an official Congressional Delegation trip on November 22, 2013. The trip is being organized by the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. Congressman Al Green will join other Members of Congress in surveying the damage as well as meeting with representatives from nongovernmental organizations, the United Nations, and local leaders. As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, Congressman Al Green plans to pay special attention to the housing needs created by the natural disaster. ""This is a great human tragedy that has saddened all people of good will,” Congressman Al Green said. “Though we have seen an impressive humanitarian effort by our nation and the international community, we must remain proactive in helping the Filipino people during this difficult time."" As one of the countries hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines has suffered the loss of more than 4,000 people, and the displacement of over 9.5 million of its residents. ""To date, our nation has directed Marines and Sailors to the affected areas, provided aircraft to support in search and rescue efforts, and donated $37 million for the recovery effort,” Congressman Al Green said. “I hope this trip will give me first-hand knowledge of the work that is being done in the country and inform me in my efforts to continue helping those affected by the tragedy.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/press-release/reps-green-vela-and-gallego-support-oil-and-gas-industry,"Reps. Green, Vela and Gallego Support Oil and Gas Industry",2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"(WASHINGTON, D.C.) –Today, Congressmen Gene Green (D-TX), Filemon Vela (D-TX), and Pete Gallego (D-TX) voted against H.R. 2728, which would require the Department of Interior, a federal agency, to defer to state regulations for all activities related to hydraulic fracturing used to produce oil and gas on federal land.  Additionally, the Department of Interior would not be allowed to enforce any federal regulation on federal lands under the Department’s jurisdiction.  Rep. Gene Green stated, “Natural gas development continues to be a vital economic driver in Texas.  While I continue to be an advocate for expanded development of our domestic resources, I am also a firm believer in property rights.”  “In Texas, we would not want the federal government telling us what to do with state land, so I have a hard time supporting the idea of states telling the federal government what to do with their lands,” said Green.  “While we have minimal federal lands in Texas, I know this an issue for many western states and would be happy to work with any of my colleagues to establish a working partnership between the federal government and the states to ensure that we can access, develop, and bring to market our domestic energy supplies.” ""While I support this legislation's goal of preventing unreasonable bureaucratic regulations being placed on hydraulic fracturing, I am troubled by the fact that federal law would be preempted by state law on federal lands,"" said Rep. Vela.   “There is a right way and a wrong way to streamline the permitting process.  However, this bill is the wrong way.  It creates too many legal issues that will slow our system down.  There is always reasonable middle ground - but this bill is not it,” said Rep. Pete Gallego.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-doggett-extend-benefits-help-long-term-unemployed,Rep. Doggett: Extend Benefits to Help Long-Term Unemployed,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Doggett Extend Benefits to Help Long-Term Unemployed As we count our blessings with our families around the Thanksgiving table next week, many Americans will be counting the weeks that they have been searching for a job. Over one million, who have been unable find a job after more than six months of searching will undoubtedly remain thankful for that small federal benefit they receive. If after a year of doing so little, the Republicans take their three-week holiday beginning in mid-December, while letting this vital program expire, that small measure of hope will also expire. Without prompt congressional action, assistance will be stopped next month for over a million individuals. The long-term unemployedthe 36 percent of unemployed workers, who have been jobless for more than six months, are disproportionately older and also face bias because they have been unemployed so long. Though the unemployment rate has been reduced over the last four years, the Times reports that long-term joblessness is up by 213%. According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the chance of an individual who has been unemployed for six months finding a new job in any given month is one in 10. In Texas, the total weeks of unemployment benefits available since the height of the recession have been reduced by 40%. But we still have more than 68,000 individuals who have been unable to get a job after six months of actively seeking work. Withholding benefits from those actively seeking work in a poor economic climate makes as much sense as withholding aid from those hurt by a poor climate. Cutting benefits can batter a household like a storm can tear at a house. Creating new jobs, and training the unemployed to move into new jobs both are important, but we should also preserve this vital lifeline for folks who are actively searching for work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000354/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/595-rep-doggett-extend-benefits-to-help-long-term-unemployed,Rep. Doggett: Extend Benefits to Help Long-Term Unemployed,2013-11-20,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Doggett: Extend Benefits to Help Long-Term Unemployed November 20, 2013 Rep. Doggett joined with nine colleagues today, including Rep. Sander Levin, Senator Jack Reed, and Rep. Linda Sanchez to urge Congress to extend emergency Unemployment Insurance to help the long-term unemployed. Withholding benefits from those actively seeking work in a poor economic climate makes as much sense as withholding aid from those hurt by a poor climate. Cutting benefits can batter a household like a storm can tear at a house. Full remarks below.     Rep. Doggett Extend Benefits to Help Long-Term Unemployed As we count our blessings with our families around the Thanksgiving table next week, many Americans will be counting the weeks that they have been searching for a job. Over one million, who have been unable find a job after more than six months of searching will undoubtedly remain thankful for that small federal benefit they receive. If after a year of doing so little, the Republicans take their three-week holiday beginning in mid-December, while letting this vital program expire, that small measure of hope will also expire. Without prompt congressional action, assistance will be stopped next month for over a million individuals. The long-term unemployed—the 36 percent of unemployed workers, who have been jobless for more than six months, are disproportionately older and also face bias because they have been unemployed so long.  Though the unemployment rate has been reduced over the last four years, the Times reports that long-term joblessness is up by 213%. According to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the chance of an individual who has been unemployed for six months finding a new job in any given month is one in 10. In Texas, the total weeks of unemployment benefits available since the height of the recession have been reduced by 40%. But we still have more than 68,000 individuals who have been unable to get a job after six months of actively seeking work. Withholding benefits from those actively seeking work in a poor economic climate makes as much sense as withholding aid from those hurt by a poor climate.  Cutting benefits can batter a household like a storm can tear at a house. Creating new jobs, and training the unemployed to move into new jobs both are important, but we should also preserve this vital lifeline for folks who are actively searching for work.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=362119,The Hill: America needs its shale energy and hydraulic fracturing provides it,2013-11-19,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Reps. Bill Flores (R-Texas) and Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) In just a few short years, the United States has become the world’s number one oil and natural gas producer, and is well on its way to no longer relying on energy from countries that are historically hostile to U.S. interests. For the average family last year, this energy transformation meant $1,200 in the form of lower energy bills, at a time when hard working American families desperately need a break. The benefits of the shale energy revolution have already been tremendous.  On top of lowering costs for fueling our cars, heating our homes and running our factories, it may have saved America from slipping into a depression. After all, natural gas producing shale is the single most dramatically expanding part of the U.S. economy supporting the highest number of new jobs.  Energy is not an end unto itself; it is a key economic input to a more prosperous future for all Americans. If not for the shale revolution, we would not be reaping the benefits of the rebirth of the manufacturing sector that both of our parties see as key to rebuilding our economy.  One recent study concluded that U.S. has added over 500,000 manufacturing jobs since the shale revolution began. This shale revolution is completely dependent on two consistently improving American technologies: hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. Without these two key technologies, all of the benefits we all experience every day would stop, our domestic energy resources would remain off limits from U.S. citizens, and the manufacturing jobs rebirth will end. As our nation moves forward with safe, clean and affordable sources of energy, we cannot afford to exclude the benefits of the shale revolution. Rather, what we should do is embrace it and make sure that American resources are developed in a way that allows each and every American to benefit. For these reasons, we have authored H.R. 2728, the “Protecting States' Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act.” States have been effectively regulating hydraulic fracturing on both government and privately owned lands for decades, and they have consistently opposed the federal government trying to trump state expertise in this area. Over the last twenty-plus years the last three administrations, two Democratic and one Republican, have all reached the same conclusion, that hydraulic fracturing has been done safely under state regulation. Therefore, adding duplicative federal regulations on top of state regulations, as is currently being proposed by the Department of Interior, does not make sense and is not an efficient use of scarce taxpayer dollars. Simply put, these new regulations are a solution in search of a problem.   The American people are looking for Washington to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars and produce legislation that improves the lives of all Americans, not legislation that impedes progress. To this end, the states are not asking for the federal government to step in.  In fact, the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, a congressionally sanctioned voice of governors on oil and gas issues, recently passed a resolution asking the federal government not to get involved in this issue that the states know much more about. It does not make sense from a budgetary, environmental or energy policy perspective for the federal government to spend taxpayer money where it is not needed, or quite frankly, being asked for.   The federal government has a poor track record for issuing permits for production in a timely manner and we all know that bureaucracies tend to impede rather than improve economic progress. For example, it was recently reported that the onshore division of the Department of the Interior, with its 700 million acres of energy rich taxpayer-owned lands, issued as many permits in five years as Texas regulators issued for private and state owned lands within its borders in one year. The federal government does not have to do everything, and, in many cases the states do things much better. There are vast differences in geology that have to be addressed as we produce energy across America. This is why a state-driven approach to regulation is so vital. Our confidence that the state experts, who have been regulating the use of these technologies for over fifty years, are best equipped to continue their effective regulation is why there is bipartisan support for letting the states retain the authority to do so, without Washington elbowing its way into everything. Washington and the federal government have other things they should focus on, which is why we have introduced this bill to allow the states to continue to produce affordable energy in a safe, clean and reliable manner that will promote efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. The ultimate outcome of this effort will be more American manufacturing jobs, a better economy, a cleaner environment, a smaller deficit and American energy security.    Flores has represented Texas' 17th Congressional District since 2011. He sits on the Budget; the Natural Resources; and the Veterans Affairs committees. Cuellar has represented Texas' 28th Congressional District since 2005. He sits on the Appropriations Committee. http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/190610-america-needs-its-shale-energy-and-hydraulic",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301101156/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/yea-vote-on-digital-accountability-and-transparency-act-data-hr-2061,""Yea" Vote on Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA), H.R. 2061",2013-11-18,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I voted for the bipartisan Digital Accountability and Transparency Act (DATA), H.R. 2061. This legislation would create a single, searchable website detailing every dollar of federal spending and awards so that any American can easily find where their tax money is going. This will make our government more transparent and allow both taxpayers and policymakers to track federal spending more effectively. The measure also includes strict new limits on how much federal agencies spend on travel and conferences each year and requires public reporting of any conference expenses exceeding $10,000. These common sense provisions will increase accountability and save tax dollars. I am hopeful that the Senate will quickly take up this legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/congressman-al-green-participates-univision-houston%E2%80%99s-bilingual-town-hall-meeting,Congressman Al Green Participates in Univision Houston’s Bilingual Town Hall Meeting on the Affordable Care Act,2013-11-16,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Houston, TX)--On November 16, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) participated in Houston Univision’s bilingual (English/Spanish) town hall meeting at the George R. Brown Center. Congressman Al Green spoke about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. “Affordable healthcare should not be a privilege for some, it should be available to all. The Affordable Care Act is designed to end, among other things, unfair discrimination based on gender, preexisting conditions, employment status, and age when obtaining health insurance,” Congressman Al Green said.  “It is my sincere hope that glitches in the technology and other problems will be corrected quickly such that our great nation can at last make available affordable healthcare for all.”   The event provided information booths and enrollment registration for the public. Congressman Al Green joined U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Congressman Gene Green, among others at the event.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://algreen.house.gov/press-release/rep-al-green-introduces-resolution-encouraging-celebration-month-june-lgbt-pride-month,Rep. Al Green Introduces Resolution Encouraging the Celebration of the Month of June as LGBT Pride Month,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Al Green,G000553,algreen.house.gov,,,legacy,"(Washington, DC)—On November 15, 2013, Congressman Al Green (TX-09) introduced a resolution encouraging the celebration of the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. The resolution was introduced with 23 original cosponsors. The original cosponsors included all six of the co-chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus: Reps. Jared Polis (CO-02), David Cicilline (RI-01), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-08), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09), and Mark Takano (CA-41). “All Americans should be treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity,” Congressman Al Green said. “This resolution is one more step toward granting the LGBT community justice and equality under the law.” This resolution specifically acknowledges the accomplishments of former Congressman Barney Frank as the first voluntarily, openly gay Member of the U.S. House of Representatives; Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin as the first openly gay Senator; and LGBT icon Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California. The resolution also recognizes the importance of the early contributions of the LGBT protestors at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 in the formation of the modern LGBT human rights movement. Additionally, the resolution pays tribute to recent victories in the LGBT human rights movement, including Hawaii becoming the 15th state to permit same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court striking down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). “We have witnessed increasingly positive progress, but we cannot rest until everyone has justice and equality under the law,” Congressman Al Green said. “I believe that Dr. King was right when he said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ An injustice against a member of the LGBT community is a threat to justice in every community.”   Statements from co-sponsors Rep. Jared Polis (CO-02), LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair\ “Thank you to Representative Green for his leadership on this and his work on behalf of the LGBT community. We still have work to do, but the accomplishments in this resolution demonstrate the remarkable progress we’ve made.” Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair “The establishment of LGBT Pride Month would create an important opportunity to recognize the contributions and progress made by the LGBT community, and I thank Congressman Green for his leadership on this matter. As the resolution highlights, since the Stonewall riots our nation has made steady movement toward equality for all Americans, and I look forward to celebrating continued advancements for many years to come.” Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair “LGBT Pride Month is celebrated annually to commemorate the Stonewall riots and the progress made in the years since. We’ve come a long way, but there is more to do to ensure all are treated fairly. Commemorating the storied history of the LGBT movement recognizes the great progress we’ve achieved and the need to continue the fight for equality.” Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01), LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair “As we continue working to end discrimination and promote tolerance, it is critical that we recognize the achievements and progress we have made to enhance equality for all Americans. That’s why I am honored to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would designate June as LGBT Pride Month.” Rep. Mike Honda (CA-17), LGBT Equality Caucus Vice Chair “As a vice-chair of the House LGBT caucus, I am so pleased to see this resolution emerge now. Having a month-long celebration in June every year will help focus attention on the great strides that have happened recently and are ongoing, as well as remind us of what we still need to do to ensure that everyone in the LGBT community is treated equally and with dignity — in the workplace, in the courts and legislatures, and in society as a whole.” Rep. John Lewis (GA-05), Civil Rights Icon and Cohort of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.“I have fought too hard to end discrimination based on race not to stand up for discrimination based on sexual orientation.  If you believe in justice, if you believe in the dignity and equality of all human kind, then you cannot pick and choose.  You cannot apply justice to some and not to all.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-doggett-meets-medal-honor-recipient-captain-william-swenson,"Rep. Doggett meets Medal of Honor recipient, Captain William Swenson",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 13, 2013 Great opportunity to have dinner last evening with the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, Captain William Swenson, a U.S. Army Ranger. Captain Swenson received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions, by standing guard over a wounded soldier as a medical helicopter arrived in the middle of a battle, while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Captain Swenson provided a moving presentation of the Gettysburg Address, which followed an insightful discussion with Lincoln biographer, Michael Burlingame in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. This is the fourth in a series of lectures about great American presidentsWashington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Rare copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Inaugural addresses in Lincoln's long hand were exhibited. Now open to the public at the Library is a fine display about the Civil War tragedy that is now estimated to have taken over 750,000 lives in a country with only about one tenth the population of present day America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000359/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/594-rep-doggett-meets-presidential-medal-of-honor-recipient-captain-william-swenson,"Rep. Doggett meets Medal of Honor recipient, Captain William Swenson",2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Rep. Doggett meets Medal of Honor recipient, Captain William Swenson November 13, 2013 Great opportunity to have dinner last evening with the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, Captain William Swenson, a U.S. Army Ranger.    Captain Swenson received the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions, by standing guard over a wounded soldier as a medical helicopter arrived in the middle of a battle, while serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Captain Swenson provided a moving presentation of  the Gettysburg Address, which followed an insightful discussion with Lincoln biographer, Michael Burlingame in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. This is the fourth in a series of lectures about great American presidents—Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Rare copies of the Gettysburg Address and the Inaugural addresses in Lincoln’s long hand were exhibited. Now open to the public at the Library is a fine display about the Civil War tragedy that is now estimated to have taken over 750,000 lives in a country with only about one tenth the population of present day America.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140301101250/http://orourke.house.gov/media-center/vote-explanations/explanation-of-votes-on-aca,Explanation of Votes on ACA,2013-11-15,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Beto O'Rourke,O000170,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I am deeply disappointed in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare). The incompetence of the website rollout is indefensible and the broken commitment made repeatedly by the President that we could keep the health insurance we had is unfair and undermines the success of this law. El Paso, more than nearly any other community, has a vested interest in making the ACA and our health care system as a whole succeed and that will continue to be my goal going forward. If successfully implemented, the ACA will mean people with preexisting conditions can get quality insurance; it means those who have it will not go bankrupt because they become ill; and it means that many of the 200,000 El Pasoans who currently do not have insurance will be able to afford it. Their health outcomes will be better as a result and the rest of us will not have to pay the cost of covering uncompensated care when these individuals get sick and receive costly emergency room care. However, there is much work to be done to ensure the law works for our community. For example, we have one of the lowest doctor/patient ratios in the country. The ACA does not address this. Nor does it address the fact that El Paso has the longest wait times to see a doctor in the country. These issues, and its impact on small businesses, independently insured individuals and others who may suffer unintended consequences, must be addressed. As part of my efforts to fix the law, I voted for a proposal (Motion to Recommit to H.R. 3350) to allow insurers to offer previously cancelled individual policies that do not meet the ACA’s requirements, including provisions that prevent insurers from dropping coverage when someone becomes ill or capping the amount of coverage the policy provides. This would make good on the President’s promise to Americans that if they like their insurance, they can keep it. I voted no on another proposal, H.R. 3350, which would have opened up these non-compliant policies to everyone, not just those that already had them. This would equal a return to the broken insurance system that the ACA seeks to address. If it became law it would mean that premiums would jump for everyone, including many in El Paso, and it would threaten important reforms, including allowing children to stay on their parent’s insurance until 26 and ending discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. In short, H.R. 3350 threatens the viability of the entire ACA, both the good and the bad parts. That would not just mean a political victory for the law’s opponents, it would mean that the people I represent who are currently insured would be stuck with higher premiums and those who are uninsured would still not be able to gain access to adequate healthcare. I will continue to work with members of both parties to fix the Affordable Care Act and improve health care access for all El Pasoans. I appreciate hearing from all of you who have contacted me to express your opinions, both positive and negative, on the ACA and they will continue to inform my efforts in Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363017,Congressman Cuellar Applauds the Release of New Rules for Mental Health Treatments,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Applauds the Release of New Rules for Mental Health Treatments f t # e Washington, November 14, 2013 – Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the recently issued rules by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to ensure equal treatment for Americans in need of mental health or substance use disorder treatment: “I applaud the recent announcement of new rules for the treatment of mental health and substance abuse disorders,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I have long supported measures to ensure our health care system treats the entire person, body and mind included. I voted in support of the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act to prevent insurance companies from limiting access to mental health and substance use disorder care. These rules help expand those protections to millions of Americans. This announcement signifies a victory in the fight for equal health care treatment and I will continue to work towards breaking down barriers that stand in the way of treatment and recovery services for Americans.” The newly issued rules implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires health insurance to cover both mental and physical health equally and no longer allows insurance companies to limit the number of hospital days or outpatient treatment sessions, or assign higher co-payments or deductibles for those in need of psychological services. The announcement is available on the Department of Health and Human Services website: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/11/20131108b.html   f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-coordinates-call-with-designated-metroplex-health-center,Rep. Veasey Coordinates Call with Designated Metroplex Health Center Navigators,2013-11-14,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Earlier today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) spoke on a conference call with the community organizations designated to assist residents of the DFW region with the new Federal Insurance Marketplace in the state of Texas. Just a month into the Marketplace enrollment, the call provided an indication of how 265,000 uninsured residents in Texas’ 33rd congressional district have been educated and assisted with the healthcare marketplace. “We have a big task ahead of us,” said Veasey to the DFW health navigators and certified application counselors. “With CD 33 having the highest percentage of uninsured in any Congressional District nationally, it is important that we get your story out there of how you’re helping our community.”                   Washington, D.C. (November 14, 2013)-- Rep. Veasey facilitates a conference call  discussion between the designated community health centers for the ACA Marketplace Exchange. According to call participants, hundreds of residents in the DFW-Metroplex area are calling and visiting different locations, each day, to see how they can obtain quality, affordable healthcare through the Federal Marketplace. Despite glitches with the website, residents are still reaching out to designated navigators for assistance in finding health insurance, further demonstrating the demand for these services. The call also shed light on the need for more resources on the ground to help educate, inform, and enroll people into the Federal Marketplace. Partnerships between community organizations, hospitals, and the government are working to get people better informed of their health insurance options but it is imperative that the state of Texas needs to do more to help educate citizens instead of misleading them. Congressman Veasey will follow-up with these organizations to ensure they have all of the federal resources they need to enroll residents in the Metroplex. Veasey’s office has been working tirelessly to inform constituents of where to get help, and will continue to assist them in this process. Release Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov ### VEASEY.HOUSE.GOV      TWITTER              FACEBOOK          YOUTUBE",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/today-rep-veasey-joins-c-rdenas-house-freshmen-at-press-conference-on,"TODAY: Rep. Veasey Joins Cardenas, House Freshmen at Press Conference on Immigration Reform",2013-11-13,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33, will join Rep. Tony Cárdenas who has gathered more than a dozen fellow freshmen representatives Wednesday morning for a press availability, discussing the importance of passing Comprehensive Immigration Reform. The press conference will take place on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 1 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2456. “My colleagues on both sides of the aisle understand the need to strengthen our economy, defend our borders and fix a broken immigration system,” said Rep. Veasey.  “186 members of the House Democratic Caucus and 3 House Republicans are now co-sponsoring H.R. 15, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. It’s time to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor for a vote and move forward with a commonsense, comprehensive immigration plan.” WHO: Freshman Democratic representatives WHAT: Press Conference to encourage vote on Comprehensive Immigration Reform WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2456 WHEN: Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. ET ### Release Date:  Wednesday, November 13, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://green.house.gov/event/health-insurance-marketplace-enrollment-event,Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment and Healthcare Reform Town Hall Event,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Gene Green,G000410,green.house.gov,,,legacy,"Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment and Healthcare Reform Town Hall Event Saturday, November 16 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 1001 Avenida de Las Americas (Hall A3) Houston, TX 77010 Join Congressman Gene Green and community partners for a bilingual Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment and Healthcare Reform Town Hall Event. In this two part event, Congressman Green will be joined by U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, City of Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett as guest speakers in a town hall panel moderated and translated by Univision.  The program will run from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Following the program, community navigators will be on site to help individuals fill out paperwork for enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information on the Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov For more information on this event, call 281-999-5879. A copy of the flyer in English and Spanish can be found below: English Spanish",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/statement-rep-veasey-response-to-american-us-airways-settlement-with-doj,Statement: Rep. Veasey Response to American-US Airways Settlement with DOJ and State Attorneys General,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33 released the following statement in response to the recent settlement agreement reached with the U.S. Department of Justice and state Attorneys General resolving the lawsuit filed against American Airlines-US Airways merger: “I applaud today’s decision by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle this case and allow the completion of the merger between American Airlines and US Airways. Since the beginning, I have been keenly focused on the success of this merger and maintained that it would provide job security to thousands of DFW-Metroplex employees and access to predictable and affordable air travel for millions of passengers. This is why, last month, I led sixty-eight House Democrats in expediting a letter to President Obama asking him consider the financial harm to thousands of families and local economies across the country if the merger failed. I’m very pleased that American Airlines and U.S. Airways have reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and state Attorneys General that will allow the combination of these two airlines to move forward. The Department of Justice did the right thing by allowing concessions. This merger will create jobs and strengthen our economy. I will continue to work to make sure that all parties, including the workers and customers, benefit from this deal. ” – Marc Veasey, TX-33",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/the-office-of-congressman-marc-veasey-hosts-federal-grant-forum,The Office of Congressman Marc Veasey Hosts Federal Grant Forum,2013-11-12,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"ARLINGTON, TX – The Office of Congressman Marc Veasey, TX-33, will be hosting a free Grant Forum for faith-based and neighborhood organizations on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 10:00 AM, at the Maverick Activities Center in Arlington, TX.  ""Texas’ 33rd Congressional District has numerous faith-based, non-profit and civic organizations that work very hard to provide services to our community,"" said Congressman Marc Veasey. ""With this workshop, we are hoping to provide these organizations with information regarding federal and private resources that meet their funding needs.” Congressman Veasey’s district staff, joined by the Internal Revenue Service, Health and Human Services, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other local associations, will provide important information including federal grant opportunities, strategic planning, and the elements of a successful grant proposal.  This event is free. WHO:      Representatives from Congressman Marc Veasey Office, the Internal Revenue Service, Health and Human Services, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and local associations. WHAT: Panel discussion with agency representatives detailing federal grant opportunities, followed by a series of breakout sessions on topics such as: Strategic grant planning, writing and organizational development.  WHEN:   Thursday, November 14, 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.     WHERE:    Maverick Activities Center – Room 102B 500 W. Nedderman Street, Arlington, TX 76013 For more event information call 817-920-9086 or RSVP online at, https:/Veasey.House.Gov # # #",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360924,Congressman Cuellar to Host Telephone Town Hall with Constituents on the Health Insurance Marketplace,2013-11-11,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Wednesday, November 13th, Congressman Henry Cuellar will host a Telephone Town Hall for residents of the 28th District to answer questions about the new Health Insurance Marketplace and provide resources to aid taxpayers in the application process. “One of my top priorities is to remain accessible and provide opportunities to speak directly to taxpayers across the 28th District of Texas,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “This Telephone Town Hall will provide an opportunity to ask questions about the new health insurance marketplace and I am grateful to Marjorie McColl Petty, Region VI Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for five states, including the entire State of Texas, for joining us to share her expertise. I look forward to continuing meeting with residents across 28th District on a regular basis.” Due to high call volume, not all questions will be answered. However, there will be an option to leave a voice message to the Congressman or contact any of his offices directly.  **Media may listen in to the call but questions will be reserved for constituents.  Please contact Miranda Margowsky, Press Secretary, to coordinate any media requests.** What:    Telephone Town Hall Who:     Participants will include: ·       Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) ·       Marjorie McColl Petty, Region VI Director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (for Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma) When:   Wednesday, November 13th at 5:45 PM CT Dial in:          877-229-8493 Pin #:           17963",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360706,Congressman Cuellar Applauds Use of Aerostats in Border Security Efforts,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the recent move by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to test military-owned equipment as part of border security operations in the Rio Grande Valley: “As a Member of Congress representing a district along the U.S.–Mexico border, I applaud the work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in creatively allocating funds for border security,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.  “I have consistently advocated for law enforcement and border security agencies to use smart border technology to address the 21st century problem of securing our nation’s boundaries. By reusing military equipment along the southern border, Customs and Border Protection saves valuable federal funds and improves border security for Valley residents and people across the country.” Aerostats are large, balloon-like devices that contain sensor equipment allowing operators to observe activity along the border that could pose a threat. The military-owned equipment provides a larger viewing area than the currently employed devices.  According to Customs and Border Protection, the equipment will be used in Peñitas, on the Starr/Hidalgo county line, and in Brooks County near Falfurrias.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360710,El Congresista Cuellar Proporciona Información en Español sobre la Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"El jueves, 7 de noviembre, el Congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) anunció el lanzamiento de información sobre la ley del cuidado de salud a bajo precio en español: “La ley del cuidado de salud a bajo precio permitirá a el pueblo americano poder tomar responsabilidad de los costos de cuidados médicos y proveer acceso universal a seguro médico de calidad alta a un precio razonable,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar. “El distrito que yo represento incluye condados con los índices más altos de ciudadanos sin seguro médico en el país. Por esta razón, es importante que los ciudadanos tengan la información disponible sobre la ley del cuidado de salud a bajo precio. Estos folletos contienen información sobre el beneficio de la ley del cuidado de salud a bajo precio para mujeres, ciudadanos de la mayor edad, pequeñas empresas, jóvenes, y niños. La información ayudará a que la gente se relacione con las maneras de poder ahorrar y entender el nuevo mercado de seguros médicos.  ·         LO QUE NECESITA SABER SOBRE LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD ·         PARA PEQUEÑAS EMPRESAS: LO QUE NECESITA SABER SOBRE LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD ·         BENEFICIOS DE LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD PARA LAS PEQUEÑAS EMPRESAS ·         BENEFICIOS DE LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD PARA MUJERES ·         COMO LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD AYUDA A PERSONAS DE EDAD AVANZADA Y MEJORA MEDICARE ·         BENEFICIOS DE LA LEY DE SALUD PARA NINOS Y JOVENES ADULTOS ·         LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD ESTA GENERANDO AHORROS PARA LOS CONSUMIDORES ·         LA LEY DE CUIDADO DE SALUD ESTA CONTENDIENDO LOS COSTOS   Fuente: Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos y la Casa Blanca   El MERCADO DE SEGUROS MÉDICOS   Si usted paga por su propia cobertura o está actualmente sin seguro médico, la siguiente información acerca del nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos será importante. El nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos es un mercado por internet donde los compradores pueden elegir entre numerosos planes de seguro médico privado de buena calidad y donde hay créditos fiscales ampliamente disponibles para que el plan que usted elija sea asequible. Fechas:          1 de octubre de 2013 – Inscripción en el Mercado comienza 1 de enero de 2014 – Cobertura médica en el Mercado comienza   Sinopsis de lo que usted debe saber:     La Opción de Varios Planes de Seguro Medico de Buena Calidad:   ·        Cada plan de seguro médico en el Mercado ofrecerá una cobertura integral, incluyendo medicamentos, visitas con su doctor, hospitalización, etc.   ·        El mercado le permitirá comparar fácilmente sus opciones de seguro según el precio, tipo de cobertura, calidad y otras características importantes para usted.   ·        Toda la información sobre los planes de salud debe estar en lenguaje fácil de entender y sin letra pequeña.   ·        Se requiere que cada plan de seguro médico en el Mercado incluye normas básicas de calidad y acceso a una serie de médicos y clínicos.   ·        Se requiere información clara sobre las primas del plan, los deducibles y gastos por cuenta propia ANTES de decidirse a inscribirse, para que sepa lo que está comprando.   ·        Cada plan de seguro médico en el Mercado ofrecerá cobertura gratuita a los servicios de prevención.   Medidas de Protección al Consumidor Que Se Exige De Los Planes:   ·        Se prohíbe la discriminación por condiciones preexistentes.   ·        No hay límites anuales o de por vida.   ·        Un límite a los gastos directos de su bolsillo (“out-of-pocket”).   ·        Las mujeres pagan las mismas tasas que los hombres.   Créditos Fiscales Para Hacer Que Sus Primas Más Asequibles:   ·        Más del 80 por ciento de los que compran cobertura en el Mercado tendrán derecho a créditos fiscales, que reducirán de manera significativa lo que realmente paga en primas.   ·        Los créditos fiscales se proporcionan de inmediato y directamente al plan de salud que usted ha elegido – inmediatamente reduciendo sus pagos mensuales.   ·        Los créditos fiscales están disponibles en una escala proporcional para las personas con ingresos entre 100% y 400% del nivel de pobreza (entre $ 23.500 a $ 94.200 para una familia de cuatro en 2013).  Asistencia al Consumidor y Ayuda con Inscripción:   ·        Usted podrá solicitar su inscripción en el Mercado de muchas maneras: o   Por internet; o   Por teléfono; o   Por correo electrónico, o o   En persona.   ·        Asistencia estará disponible en el Mercado para ayudarle en elegir e inscribirse en el mejor plan privado para usted, incluyendo: o   Un centro nacional de llamadas al número gratuito o   Un sitio web con herramientas para comparar planes y o   Guías, como las organizaciones comunitarias, que le darán asistencia imparcial y objetiva para evaluar el plan que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades.       Para PequeÑas EmPRESAS: Lo que necesita saber sobre la ley de cuidado de salud   La Ley de Cuidado de Salud incluye disposiciones vitales que le dan a usted y a otros propietarios de pequeñas empresas nuevas opciones para proporcionar cobertura médica asequible de buena calidad a sus empleados, si lo desea. Si usted es dueño de un negocio con menos de 50 empleados – como lo son 96 por ciento de las empresas en los Estados Unidos - no tendrá NINGÚN requisito como empleador de proveer cobertura, cuando el requisito entra en vigencia en el 2015.  Es decir, no enfrentará posibles sanciones por no ofrecer una cobertura asequible a sus empleados. Las disposiciones de la ley de salud serán una mejora con respecto al mercado actual donde, hasta el momento, las pequeñas empresas han tenido muchos problemas en obtener un seguro asequible. Por ejemplo, en la actualidad las pequeñas empresas pagan 18 por ciento más en primas que las grandes empresas por los mismos beneficios. Además, hoy en día, las primas para una pequeña empresa pueden aumentar exponencialmente tan solo porque a uno de sus empleados le da cáncer o sufre un grave ataque al corazón. La forma en que la ley de cuidado de salud le afecta como propietario de un negocio dependerá de la cantidad de empleados que tenga. A continuación se presenta una sinopsis. A partir de 2014, para los negocios con menos de 25 empleados: ·        No hay requisito de cobertura para el empleador. ·        Hay un crédito fiscal de escala proporcional para ayudarle a ofrecer una cobertura de seguro médico a sus empleados, si usted tiene salarios medios anuales de menos de $50,000. El crédito tiene un valor de hasta 50 por ciento de los costos de las primas de su pequeña empresa. ·        Existe un Programa de Opciones de Salud para Pequeñas Empresas (SHOP en ingles) en cada estado – un mercado de seguros médicos para las pequeñas empresas – para hacer el seguro médico más asequible y accesible a las pequeñas empresas con 50 empleados o menos. ·        Con los SHOPs, al tener la posibilidad de juntar sus recursos con otras empresas, usted y otras pequeñas empresas ahora tendrán acceso a los mismos tipos de coberturas asequibles de buena calidad que sólo las grandes empresas tienen hoy en día. ·        Los SHOPs reducirán las primas para usted y otras pequeñas empresas a través de menores costos administrativos, una mayor competencia entre las aseguradoras, una mayor transparencia de los costos y una mejor distribución de los riesgos.   A partir de 2014, para los negocios con 25 a 49 trabajadores: ·        No hay requisito de cobertura para el empleador. ·        Hay un SHOP en cada estado – un mercado de seguros médicos para las pequeñas empresas – para hacer el seguro médico más asequible y accesible a las pequeñas empresas con 50 empleados o menos. ·        Con los SHOPs, al tener la posibilidad de juntar sus recursos con otras empresas, usted y otras pequeñas empresas ahora tendrán acceso a los mismos tipos de coberturas asequibles de buena calidad que sólo las grandes empresas tienen hoy en día. ·        Los SHOPs reducirán las primas para usted y otras pequeñas empresas a través de menores costos administrativos, una mayor competencia entre las aseguradoras, una mayor transparencia de los costos y una mejor distribución de los riesgos. A partir de 2015, para los negocios con 50 o más empleados: ·        Existe un requisito de cobertura para las empresas con 50 o más empleados. Bajo el requisito, las empresas con 50 o más empleados que no ofrecen cobertura médica asequible y tienen al menos un empleado de tiempo completo que recibe un crédito fiscal de primas en los nuevos mercados tendrán que pagar una multa. ·        Sin embargo, la gran mayoría de estas empresas ya ofrecen cobertura médica voluntariamente. Actualmente, el 94 por ciento de las empresas con 50 a 199 empleados ya ofrecen cobertura a sus empleados, así como el 98 por ciento de las empresas con 200 empleados o más. ·        A partir de 2016, los SHOPs estarán abiertos a empresas con 100 empleados o menos.   BENEFICIOS DE LA LEY de cuidado DE SALUD PARA las PEQUEÑaS Empresas   ·        Proporciona a las pequeñas empresas acceso a los mismos planes de salud asequibles que anteriormente estaban disponibles solamente para las grandes empresas. La ley de salud establece mercados estatales de intercambio conocidos como SHOP (por sus siglas en inglés) donde a partir de 2014, las pequeñas empresas y sus empleados podrán comprar cobertura asequible. Los dueños y empleados de pequeñas empresas podrán formar un fondo común con su poder adquisitivo y comparar los diferentes planes.   ·        Proporciona a las pequeñas empresas acceso a los planes de salud de buena calidad. A partir de 2014, los planes asequibles en los mercados SHOP tendrán un mínimo de beneficios garantizados – para evitar sorpresas y brechas de cobertura que a veces enfrentan aquellos que no tienen el poder adquisitivo de un grupo largo.   ·        Garantiza ciertos derechos vitales para los pacientes, que son especialmente importantes para las pequeñas empresas que frecuentemente sólo han tenido acceso a planes de salud con grandes brechas en la cobertura. Por ejemplo, la ley de salud prohíbe a las compañías de seguro médico (1) poner límites de por vida en su cobertura, (2) establecer límites anuales restrictivos sobre su cobertura, y (3) negar cobertura a niños con condiciones preexistentes.   ·        Provee créditos fiscales a las pequeñas empresas para ayudarles a ofrecer cobertura de seguro médico a sus empleados – si deciden hacerlo. Los créditos fiscales cubren hasta el 35 por ciento del costo de la cobertura, para las empresas con 25 empleados o menos. A partir de 2014, estos créditos fiscales comenzarán a cubrir hasta el 50 por ciento del costo de la cobertura. En 2011, 360,000 pequeños empresarios utilizaron el crédito conocido como ‘Small Business Health Care Tax Credit’ para ayudarles a pagar por seguro médico para 2 millones de trabajadores.   ·        El Presidente ha propuesto mejorar el crédito fiscal. Si se aprueba, el crédito fiscal bajo la propuesta del Presidente beneficiaría a casi medio millón de pequeñas empresas que ofrecen seguro a 4 millones de trabajadores. La propuesta permite a las pequeñas empresas con un máximo de 50 empleados, en lugar de 25, calificar para el crédito fiscal y también adopta un programa de descontinuación más generoso.     Beneficios de la ley de cuidado de salud para mujeres   ·        Prohíbe que las compañías de seguro médico nieguen a mujeres la cobertura para cuidado de maternidad.   ·        Mejora el cuidado de salud a millones de mujeres adultas con condiciones crónicas, proporcionando iniciativas bajo Medicare.         ·        Le asegura y garantiza a casi 30 millones de mujeres con seguro médico privado el privilegio a muchos servicios preventivos como las mamográficas, los exámenes de cáncer, y las inmunizaciones.   ·        Asegura que la cobertura gratis, a partir de agosto 2012, incluya más servicios preventivos de mujeres, como visitas y chequeos completos de salud de mujeres, y detección de diabetes.   ·        A partir de enero 2014, asegura que ser mujer jamás será tratado como ‘condición preexistente.’  A compañías de seguro médico se les prohibirá negar la cobertura a personas con ‘condiciones preexistentes.’  Hoy en día, a las mujeres se les niega cobertura o pagan más por ‘condiciones preexistentes’ como cáncer de mama, embarazos, cirugías cesárea (C-section por su inglés) – o simplemente por ser víctimas de violencia doméstica.   ·        A partir de enero 2014, termina la práctica común conocida como ‘gender rating,’ donde las mujeres pagan más por las primas en comparación a los hombres por el mismo seguro médico.  Según un estudio, mujeres pagan 48 por ciento más que los hombres por el costo de las primas.        ·        A partir de enero 2014, asegura que las 8.7 millones de mujeres quienes actualmente compran seguro médico individual ganarían cobertura para servicios de maternidad.    ·        A partir de enero 2014, le ofrece a las mujeres mejor acceso a un seguro médico económico para mujeres.  Un estimado de 18.6 millones de mujeres sin seguro médico tendrán nuevas oportunidades por medio del Mercado de Seguros Médicos.     como la ley de Cuidado de salud ayuda a personas de edad avanzada y mejora medicare     ·        Reduce el precio de medicinas de receta para personas de edad avanzada.  Desde la promulga de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud, más de 7.1 millones de personas de edad avanzada en la brecha conocida como ‘donut hole’ de la Parte D de Medicare han ahorrado más de $8.3 mil millones en medicinas de receta, o un promedio en ahorros de $1,061 por persona.  Para el año 2020, esta brecha ya no existirá.  Se estima que adultos mayores ahorraran un promedio de más de $18.000 en sus medicinas de receta hasta el 2022.   ·        Ofrece servicios vitales gratis de cuidado preventivo como monogramas.  Antes de la reforma, servicios tenían un precio tan alto como $160.  En el año 2012, 34.1 millones de personas de edad avanzada recibieron servicios preventivos gratis.  En los primeros seis meses del año 2013, 16.5 millones de personas de edad avanzada han recibido servicios gratis.   ·        Ofrece una visita anual de bienestar gratis bajo Medicare.  Más de 4.4 millones de personas de edad avanzada han recibido una visita anual de bienestar gratis bajo Medicare.   ·        Ofrece ahorros adicionales para personas de edad avanzada, incluyendo primas estables y bajas y también un deducible más bajo.  Las primas de la Parte B de Medicare han permanecido igual o han reducido por los últimos tres años.  Adicionalmente, en el año 2013, el promedio de la prima de personas inscritas en “Medicare Advantage” es 10 por ciento menos que en el año 2010.  Además, el deducible de la Parte B de Medicare será $15 menos en el año 2014 que el deducible del año 2011.   ·        Fortalece Medicare y extiende la solvencia del fondo conocido como ‘Medicare Trust Fund’ por casi una década.  Las reformas de la ley eliminan lo innecesario del sistema de salud, haciéndolo más eficiente sin reducir los beneficios.   Ofrece nuevas herramientas y autoridades para prevenir el fraude en Medicare.   Durante los últimos cuatro años, grupos en contra el fraude del Departamento de Servicios Humanos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) y Departamento de Justicia, recuperaron casi $15 mil millones en pagos fraudes de Medicare de parte de los contribuyentes, duplicando la cantidad recuperada durante los cuatro años anteriores.  El combate contra el fraude continúa.     Beneficios de la ley de salud para ninos y jovenes adultos   Niños    ·        Prohíbe a compañías de seguro médico el negar la cobertura a niños bajo la edad de 19 años por tener una ‘condición preexistente.’  Casi 17 millones de niños con condiciones preexistentes ahora son protegidos de discriminación.   ·        Ofrece servicios vitales de cobertura gratis como vacunas e inmunizaciones para niños participando en nuevos planes privados.   ·        Ofrece a millones de niños el acceso a la cobertura de calidad, a partir de 2014.  Hoy en día, hay 7 millones de niños americanos sin seguro médico.   jovenes Adultos   ·        Permite que los jóvenes adultos permanezcan en el plan de salud de sus papas hasta los 26 años.  6.6 millones de jóvenes adultos han tomado ventaja de la ley, obteniendo seguro medico por el plan de sus papas.  3.1 millones de papas podrían perder su seguro medico sin la ley.   ·        Prohíbe a compañías de seguro médico el negar la cubertura a jóvenes adultos si se enferman o enfrentan un accidente.   ·        Ofrece servicios vitales de cobertura gratis para jóvenes adultos participando en nuevos planes privados.   ·        Ofrece acceso a cobertura de calidad a millones de jóvenes adultos sin acceso a planes asequibles con respeto al establecimiento estatal de Mercado de Seguros Médicos, a partir de 2014.  Los jóvenes adultos hoy en día son el grupo que menos seguro médico tiene en comparación a todos los americanos.     la ley de Cuidado de salud Esta Generando Ahorros para los consumidores Reembolsos Para Los Consumidores Quienes No Reciben Buen Valor de Sus Dólares ·        El agosto pasado, casi 13 millones de estadounidenses se beneficiaron de $1.1 mil millones en reembolsos ofrecidos por sus compañías de seguro médico debido a la Ley de Cuidado de Salud.  Bajo la ley de salud, las compañías aseguradoras deben gastar al menos 80 por ciento de primas en asistencia médica  – en lugar de salario de los propietarios, o en las ganancias y costos administrativos.  Cada verano, todas las compañías de seguro médico quienes no cumplieron con el estándar el año anterior, deben de pagar reembolsos a sus consumidores.  Estos reembolsos se basan en el hecho de que las compañías aseguradoras no cumplieron con el estándar en año 2011.   ·        En este agosto, 8.5 millones de consumidores recibirán un gran total de $500 millones en reembolsos por parte de las compañías aseguradoras que no cumplieron con el estándar en el 2012.  En el año 2012, consumidores ahorraron $3.4 mil millones en sus primas, más los $500 millones en reembolsos, después de que las compañías aseguradoras cumplieron con el estándar 80-20.   Revisión de Tasas ·        Las provisiones de la revisión de tasas de la ley de salud han ayudado a estadounidenses ahorrar un estimado de $1 mil millón en sus primas.  La revisión de tasas asegura que las compañías de seguro médico, en cada estado, son requeridas a públicamente presentar las primas para revisar y justificar los incrementos de las primas de más de 10 por ciento.  Los incrementos de las primas pueden ser públicamente consideradas como ‘irrazonable.’  Desde que las reformas fueron efectivas, el porcentaje de aumento de las primas por las compañías aseguradoras se ha desplomado de 75 por ciento en 2010 a 14 por ciento en lo que va de 2013.   ·        La ley de salud también ofrece a los estados $250 millones en becas.  A consecuencia, muchos estados están usando estas becas para fortalecer sus habilidades de revisar y evitar los aumentos de las primas excesivas.   La Ley de cuidado de salud esta contendiendo los costos La Ley de Cuidado de Salud tiene numerosas provisiones para reducir el crecimiento del costo de seguro médico – incluyendo nueva transparencia y responsabilidad para compañías de seguro médico; reformas clave del systema de suministro; combatiendo el fraude y el abuso; una mejor coordinación de salud; y previniendo enfermedades – las cuales ahora están siendo implementadas. La ley de cuidado de salud esta reduciendo el costo de Seguro medico mediante la reduccion de residuos y fraude y promoviendo un cuidado de alta calidad: ·        Casi $15 mil millones en pagos de Medicare fraudulentos han sido recuperados por parte de los estadounidenses a través de los últimos cuatro años – principalmente debido a las nuevas herramientas, contenidas en la ley de cuidado médico, para combatir el fraude de Medicare.   ·        Los reingresos hospitalarios de Medicare han caído por primera vez en la historia, resultando en 70,000 reingresos menos en el último semestre de 2012.   ·        Más de 250 nuevas Organizaciones de Cuidado Responsable (Accountable Care Organizations), sirviendo a 4 millones de personas inscritas en Medicare, se les paga de acuerdo a la calidad del seguro médico que prestan, no la cantidad. El CRECIMIENTO del gasto general de cuidado de salud y el gasto de MEDICAMENTOS ha reducido a niveles historicamente bajos: ·        El gasto total de salud de EE.UU. creció por sólo un 3.9 por ciento en el año 2009, 2010, 2011, y 2012 – con un 3.9 por ciento, la tasa de crecimiento más baja en cualquier año durante los 53 años de las cuentas de gasto nacional de salud.   ·        Entre el año 2010 y el año 2012, los gastos por beneficiario de Medicare aumentaron por solo un 1.7 por ciento anualmente – drásticamente más lento que el periodo entre el año 2000 y el año 2009.   ·        Los gastos por beneficiario de Medicaid disminuyeron por 1.9 por ciento en el año 2012.   ·        A consecuencia, según un informe del CBO (por sus siglas en ingles), Medicare y Medicaid ahora gastaran $700 mil millones menos a través de un periodo de 10 años, desde el 2011 hasta el 2020.     Unas primas son estables y el crecimiento en otras primas estan en niveles historicamente bajos: ·        El promedio de la prima para personas inscritas en “Medicare Advantage” en el 2013 es 10 por ciento más bajo que el promedio de la prima en el año 2010.   ·        El promedio de la prima para la Parte D de Medicare (programa de medicamentos Rx) permanecerá estable por el cuarto año consecutivo en el 2014 – proyectado en $31.  Durante los últimos tres años – año del plan de 2011, 2012, y 2013 – el promedio de la prima fue $30.   ·        Las primas de la Parte B de Medicare no aumentarían en el año 2014 – permanecerían en $104.90, el nivel del año 2013.  Las primas de la Parte B de Medicare han permanecido igual o han reducido en los últimos tres años.    ·        El crecimiento de las primas de planes privados ha ralentizado.  Las primas anuales para la cubertura de salud patrocinada por el empleador para un trabajador aumentaron por solo un 3 por ciento en el 2012 – el incremento más bajo desde el año 1996.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360729,"Congressman Cuellar Travels to Mexico, Meets with President Peña Nieto",2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Travels to Mexico, Meets with President Peña Nieto f t # e Washington, November 8, 2013 f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363016,Congressman Cuellar Speaks at Opening of Laredo VA Clinic,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, November 8th, Congressman Henry Cuellar spoke at the opening of the newly expanded Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Laredo.    “The expansion of the clinic into a new facility almost doubles the amount of current space and provides more services to the veterans living in Webb County,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28).  “Even before I was sworn into Congress, I announced a plan to build a new clinic in Laredo so that veterans would not have to travel 150 miles to receive care in San Antonio.  This will save the veterans and their families time, expenses, and inconvenience and will finally provide veterans with the care and support they deserve close to home.”  The new facility provides extended primary services including coverage of mental health, nutrition, women’s health, podiatry, dental, tele-health, and social work services.     El Congresista Henry Cuellar habla ante apertura de la clínica para veteranos en Laredo   El viernes, 8 de noviembre, el congresista Henry Cuellar dio palabras ante la apertura de la clínica para veteranos en Laredo. “La expansión de las instalaciones duplicará el tamaño de la clínica y proporcionará más servicios a las veteranos del condado de Webb,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar.  “Antes de ingresar a la Cámara de Diputados, anuncié planes para la construcción de una clínica en Laredo para que los veteranos no tuvieran que viajar 150 millas a la clínica de San Antonio. Esta clínica les ahorrará a los veteranos y a sus familias tiempo, dinero y la inconveniencia de viajar. Las nuevas instalaciones ofrecerán el cuidado de salud que los veteranos se merecen cerca de su hogar.” Estas nuevas instalaciones ofrecerán servicios primarios extensivos los cuales incluyen salud mental, nutrición, salud de las mujeres, podología, dental, telesalud, y servicios sociales.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-to-present-award-to-local-fort-worth-teacher,Rep. Veasey to Present Award to Local Fort Worth Teacher,2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) will present Poly U.S. history teacher and “A Teach for America” corps member, Graham Sharpe, with the 2013 Humanities Texas Award for Outstanding Early-Career. Out of hundreds of nominations from across the Lone Star state, Mr. Sharpe was one of three teachers selected for the prestigious honor.  As a strong advocate for advancing education in the Metroplex, Congressman Veasey will have the honor of presenting Graham Sharpe with the prestigious recognition. “I have always believed that education is not only a pathway to opportunities, but an imperative step to success. As a former substitute teacher of Poly High School, I recognize the impact teachers have in molding the minds of our future. Teachers like Graham deserve recognition for leading and developing students to achieve their greatest potential.” The 2013 Humanities Texas Award for Outstanding Early-Career recognizes exemplary contributions of early-career humanities teachers who have completed three or fewer years of teaching. Two teachers will be selected to receive this $5,000 cash award, with an additional $500 for their schools to purchase humanities-based instructional materials.   ###   Release Date:  Friday, November 8, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://doggett.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/communitycare-receives-more-300000-new-medical-home-se-travis-county,"CommUnityCare receives more than $300,000 for new medical home for SE Travis County",2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,doggett.house.gov,,,legacy,"November 8, 2013 Austin, TX Today, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that $316,667 in federal funds is available to Central Texas Community Health Centers (CommUnityCare) in Travis County from the Department of Health and Human Services under the Affordable Care Act. CommUnityCare will use the funds to assist with the repurposing of a 68,000 square foot building that was formerly the Veteran's Administration Outpatient Clinic as the new Southeast Health and Wellness Center. Slated to open in fall of 2014, the center will house primary and specialty health care services under one roof, and will have the capacity to serve 20,000 patient visits. These funds are just the start and lay the foundation for a new medical home for thousands of our neighbors, said Rep. Doggett. When southeast Travis County is experiencing so many challenges due to the flood, this good news of the first new money to begin this project comes at the right time. The Southeast Health and Wellness Center is a new health center model intended to be the home for the widest range of health and wellness services we can possibly provide. This grant is critical to providing those services for our community and particularly southeast Travis County; one of the most medically underserved areas in the county, Central Health President & CEO Patricia A. Young Brown said. CommUnityCare is excited about receiving this grant and is working to expand and deliver care in this new model. We are committed to providing quality care to those that need it. We hope to serve an additional 20,000 visits with this grant. It will allow us to increase access to services for all our patients, CommUnityCare CEO George Miller said. These New Access Point grants, which are administered by HHS's Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), support community health centers and continue improving access to health care services across the county. CommUnityCare will use funds through February 28, 2014, and will have a option of additional funding, based on HRSA's evaluation of the completed work and projected need. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140221000405/http://doggett.house.gov/index.php/news/593-communitycare-receives-more-than-300-000-for-new-medical-home-for-se-travis-county,"CommUnityCare receives more than $300,000 for new medical home for SE Travis County",2013-11-08,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Lloyd Doggett,D000399,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"CommUnityCare receives more than $300,000 for new “medical home” for SE Travis County November 8, 2013 Austin, TX – Today, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced that $316,667 in federal funds is available to Central Texas Community Health Centers (CommUnityCare) in Travis County from the Department of Health and Human Services under the Affordable Care Act. CommUnityCare will use the funds to assist with the repurposing of a 68,000 square foot building that was formerly the Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic as the new Southeast Health and Wellness Center. Slated to open in fall of 2014, the center will house primary and specialty health care services under one roof, and will have the capacity to serve 20,000 patient visits.   “These funds are just the start and lay the foundation for a new medical home for thousands of our neighbors,” said Rep. Doggett. “When southeast Travis County is experiencing so many challenges due to the flood, this good news of the first new money to begin this project comes at the right time.”    “The Southeast Health and Wellness Center is a new health center model intended to be the home for the widest range of health and wellness services we can possibly provide. This grant is critical to providing those services for our community and particularly southeast Travis County; one of the most medically underserved areas in the county,” Central Health President & CEO Patricia A. Young Brown said.    “CommUnityCare is excited about receiving this grant and is working to expand and deliver care in this new model. We are committed to providing quality care to those that need it. We hope to serve an additional 20,000 visits with this grant. It will allow us to increase access to services for all our patients,” CommUnityCare CEO George Miller said.   These New Access Point grants, which are administered by HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), support community health centers and continue improving access to health care services across the county. CommUnityCare will use funds through February 28, 2014, and will have a option of additional funding, based on HRSA’s evaluation of the completed work and projected need. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=363015,Congressman Cuellar’s Office Hosts Starr County Home Weatherization Workshop,2013-11-07,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, November 7th, the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) hosted a Home Weatherization Workshop for Starr County residents. The workshop was hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar’s Outreach Coordinators and provided a broad array of information on home weatherization, preservation, and repairs. The program was designed to provide senior citizens, low-income families, Americans with disabilities, and veterans the opportunity to meet with Federal and State agencies about programs that meet their specific needs. “My hope is that this event will be able to serve as a one-stop shop for constituents to apply and benefit from programs available from the large number of agencies that we have assembled,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “These programs represent investments into our local economies. The community restoration from these programs triggers a domino effect that lowers energy bills and gives families more discretionary income each month, helping produce economic prosperity in the community. I will continue to work with the cities, counties, and agencies across the district to ensure that federal resources continue to be allocated to pressing local needs.” “The costs associated with maintaining a home are a challenge for many rural homeowners,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “USDA Rural Development programs are available to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to weatherize and repair existing homes, install or improve plumbing, and provide access to people with disabilities, all critical components to improving the lives of rural residents.” “We strongly encourage Starr County residents to attend and learn how they can benefit from this event, as even relatively minor home improvements can save homeowners money over several years,” said Tim Irvine, TDHCA Executive Director. “Unfortunately, many Texans simply may not know how to obtain this type of assistance, a problem this event can begin to address. And while these resources are limited, many programs are available locally so we are hoping to see a big turnout.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360480,Congressman Cuellar to Speak at Opening of Laredo VA Clinic,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, November 8th, Congressman Henry Cuellar will provide remarks at the opening of the newly expanded Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Laredo.    “The expansion of the clinic into a new facility almost doubles the amount of current space and provides more services to the veterans living in Webb County,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28).  “Even before I was sworn into Congress, I announced a plan to build a new clinic in Laredo so that veterans would not have to travel 150 miles to receive care in San Antonio.  This will save the veterans and their families time, expenses, and inconvenience and will finally provide veterans with the care and support they deserve close to home.” The new facility provides extended primary services including coverage of mental health, nutrition, women’s health, podiatry, dental, tele-health, and social work services.  WHAT:           Laredo VA Clinic Opening WHO:             Congressman Henry Cuellar Robert M. Walton, Director of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend  Joseph Dalpiaz, Director of VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network  Raul Salinas, Mayor of the City of Laredo DATE:            Friday, November 8th TIME:            9:30am-10:30am CT   Laredo, Texas – El viernes, 8 de noviembre, el congresista Henry Cuellar dará palabras ante la apertura de la clínica para veteranos en Laredo. “La expansión de las instalaciones duplicará el tamaño de la clínica y proporcionará más servicios a las veteranos del condado de Webb,” dijo el Congresista Henry Cuellar.  “Antes de ingresar a la Cámara de Diputados, anuncié planes para la construcción de una clínica en Laredo para que los veteranos no tuvieran que viajar 150 millas a la clínica de San Antonio. Esta clínica les ahorrará a los veteranos y a sus familias tiempo, dinero y la inconveniencia de viajar. Las nuevas instalaciones ofrecerán el cuidado de salud que los veteranos se merecen cerca de su hogar.” Estas nuevas instalaciones ofrecerán servicios primarios extensivos los cuales incluyen salud mental, nutrición, salud de las mujeres, podología, dental, telesalud, y servicios sociales.    Evento:               Apertura de la Clínica para Veteranos en Laredo, Texas Participantes:   Congressman Henry Cuellar Robert M. Walton, Director of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend  Joseph Dalpiaz, Director of VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network  Raul Salinas, Mayor of the City of Laredo Fecha:                Viernes 8 de noviembre Hora:                   9:30am-10:30am CT",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/hoy-congresista-marc-veasey-visita-voluntarios-de-la-ley-de-cuidado-de,HOY: Congresista Marc Veasey Visita Voluntarios de la ley de cuidado de salud (ACA) en los Centros de Salud en la Área de Dallas-Fort Worth,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"FORT WORTH, TX-El miércoles, 6 de noviembre, Congresista Marc Veasey (TX-33) empieza su gira orientada al cuidado de salud a los centros de salud en las comunidades del Metroplex para escuchar a los doctores, voluntarios y pacientes hablar sobre cuestiones de salud que impacta a los constituyentes en el distrito. Para educar a la comunidad sobre la reforma de salud, HHS otorgó un subsidio de $9.9 millones de dólares a los centros de salud en Texas para asistir con las inscripciones al nuevo Mercado de Seguros Médicos. Congresista Veasey visitará dos centros de salud en el distrito 33 quienes recibieron fondos. La gira orientada al cuidado de salud comenzará en el centro de salud de Fort Worth y concluye en Dallas con Presidente Obama en el centro Temple Emanu-El. Que: Gira Orientada al Cuidado de Salud del Congresista Marc Veasey a los Centros de Salud Cuándo: Hoy, miércoles, 6 de noviembre 2013     Cuando y Adónde: Congresista Marc Veasey Visita Centros de Salud Comunitarias en Norte Texas 11:45-12:45 PM Centro de Salud en Fort Worth North Texas Área Community Health Center 2106 North Main Street, Ste. 110 Fort Worth TX 76164 12:35 PM – Disponibilidad de prensa   Quien:                                  Congresista de los EEUU Marc Veasey Rep. Lon Burnam, HD-90 Rep. Nicole Collier, HD-95 Tarrant County Commissioner, Roy C. Brooks Dr. Liz Trevino, CEO, Fort Worth Health Center   Contexto: Congresista Marc Veasey visitará con empleados, miembros de la junta directiva del centro de salud y con funcionarios electos para hablar sobre la ley de cuidado de salud (ACA) y escuchar como subsidios federales han sido usados en la clínica.   Congresista Marc Veasey Visita Centro de Salud Los Barrios Unidos 1:30-2:30 PM           Centro de Salud de Dallas Los Barrios Unidos Community Health Center 809 Singleton Boulevard Dallas TX 75212 2:20 PM -- Disponibilidad de prensa   Quien:                                  Congresista de los EEUU Marc Veasey Rep. Roberto Alonzo, HD-104 Dallas County Commissioner, John Wiley Price Marjorie Petty, Regional Director for Health and Human Services, Region 6   Leonor Márquez, CEO, Dallas Health Center   Contexto: Congresista Marc Veasey visitará con empleados, miembros de la junta directiva del    centro de salud y con funcionarios electos para hablar sobre la ley de cuidado de salud (ACA) y escuchar como subsidios federales han sido usados en la clínica.   Visita con Presidente Barack Obama en Dallas 4:00 PM –  Congresista Marc Veasey recibe al  Presidente Barack Obama en el aeropuerto de Dallas Love Field.   4:30 PM Visita en Dallas en el Temple Emanu-El 8500 Hillcrest Road Dallas TX 75225   Quien:                                  El Congresista de los EEUU Marc Veasey Presidente de los EEUU, Barack Obama   Contexto:  Congresista Marc Veasey visitará con empleados, miembros de la junta directiva del centro de salud y con funcionarios electos para hablar sobre la ley de cuidado de salud (ACA) y escuchar como subsidios federales han sido usados en la clínica.   PRENSA: Miembros de la prensa  interesados en entrevistar al Congresista Marc Veasey durante su gira debe contactar la Directora de Comunicaciones,  Jessica Coscia, al 202-225-9897 o a su correo electrónico Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov   ###     Para divulgación inmediata: miércoles, 6 de noviembre 2013 Contacto: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/today-rep-veasey-to-visit-aca-volunteers-and-community-health-centers-in,TODAY: Rep. Veasey to Visit ACA Volunteers and Community Health Centers in Dallas-Fort Worth region,2013-11-06,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"FORT WORTH, TX – On Wednesday, November 6, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) will kick off a day of healthcare-focused visits to Metroplex-area community health centers to hear from physicians, patients and volunteers on health issues impacting constituents. To educate the community on the Affordable Care Act, HHS granted $9.9 million to Texas health centers to provide enrollment assistance. Congressman Veasey will be visiting the two community health centers in the 33rd Congressional District who received funding. Veasey’s healthcare-focused listening tour will begin at a Fort Worth Health Center and conclude in Dallas with President Obama at Dallas’ Temple Emanu-El. WHAT: Marc Veasey Community Health Center Listening Tour WHEN: Wednesday, November 6, 2013 WHEN & WHERE: Rep. Veasey Visits North Texas Area Community Health Center 11:45-12:45 PM Fort Worth Health Center North Texas Area Community Health Center 2106 North Main Street, Ste. 110 Fort Worth, TX 76164 12:35 PM – Media Availability WHO: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey State Rep. Lon Burnam, HD-90 State Rep. Nicole Collier, HD-95 Tarrant County Commissioner, Roy C. Brooks Dr. Liz Trevino, CEO, Fort Worth Health Center Background: Congressman Marc Veasey will visit with Northside Community Center staff, Board Members, and area elected officials to learn discuss the Affordable Care Act and hear how federal grants have been used at the clinic. Rep. Veasey visits Los Barrios Unidos Community Health Center 1:30-2:30 PM Dallas Health Center Los Barrios Unidos Community Health Center 809 Singleton Boulevard Dallas, TX 75212 2:20 PM – Media Availability WHO: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey State Rep. Roberto Alonzo, HD-104 Dallas County Commissioner, John Wiley Price Marjorie Petty, Regional Director for Health and Human Services, Region 6 Leonor Marquez, CEO, Dallas Health Center Background: Congressman Marc Veasey will visit with Northside Community Center staff, Board Members, and area elected officials to discuss the Affordable Care Act and hear how federal grants have been used at the clinic. Visiting with President Barack Obama in Dallas 4:00 PM – Congressman Marc Veasey to greet President Barack Obama at Dallas Love Field Airport 4:30 PM Visit to Dallas Temple Emanu-El 8500 Hillcrest Road Dallas, TX 75225 WHO: U.S. Congressman Marc Veasey U.S. President Barack Obama Background: Congressman Marc Veasey will visit with President Barack Obama at Dallas' Temple Emanu-El MEDIA: Media interested in interviewing Rep. Marc Veasey at these events should contact, Communications Director, Jessica Coscia, at 202-225-9897 or Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 6, 2013 CONTACT: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360380,Congressman Cuellar to Speak at Opening of Laredo VA Clinic,2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Friday, November 8th, Congressman Henry Cuellar will provide remarks at the opening of the newly expanded Veteran’s Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Laredo.    “The expansion of the clinic into a new facility almost doubles the amount of current space and provides more services to the veterans living in Webb County,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28).  “Even before I was sworn into Congress, I announced a plan to build a new clinic in Laredo so that veterans would not have to travel 150 miles to receive care in San Antonio.  This will save the veterans and their families time, expenses, and inconvenience and will finally provide veterans with the care and support they deserve close to home.” The new facility provides extended primary services including coverage of mental health, nutrition, women’s health, podiatry, dental, tele-health, and social work services.  WHAT:          Laredo VA Clinic Opening   WHO:             Congressman Henry Cuellar Robert M. Walton, Director of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend  Joseph Dalpiaz, Director of VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network  Raul Salinas, Mayor of the City of Laredo DATE:            Friday, November 8th TIME:            9:30am-10:30am CT",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-visits-north-texas-food-bank-talks-about-impact-of-snap-cuts,"Rep. Veasey Visits North Texas Food Bank, Talks about impact of SNAP cuts",2013-11-05,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Dallas, TX – Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33, visited the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) on Monday, November 4 to tour the facility and to discuss hunger and the potential impacts of food assistance programs due to recent food-aid funding cuts. Earlier this month, SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, was cut by 5 percent after the 2009 Recovery Act’s temporary increase in benefits expired leaving participants with just $1.40 to spend per meal. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 3.5 million Texas residents receive SNAP benefits. Veasey voted against the GOP-backed FARM Bill that cuts billions of dollars to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The U.S. House passed the bill in September, with a 217-219 vote.  “As Members of Congress, we have the responsibility and obligation to protect the food security of every American. This is why I signed on to H.R.  3353, which will offer a one year extension of the 13% increase of SNAP benefits through FY 2014,” said Veasey. Dallas, TX (November 4, 2013)-- Rep. Veasey tours North Texas Food Bank storage facility with Jan Pruitt, CEO, of the North Texas Food Bank. Veasey who took part in the Congressional SNAP challenge, last June, living on the $4.50 per day allotted to SNAP recipients before the recent funding cuts added, “If those who are against SNAP would take a walk through this food bank and talk to the people who come here, like I have done, I don’t see how they would ever oppose this bill.” NTFB officials expect the number of food bank clients to increase due to deeper the cuts in food assistance, and reported that outreach coordinators help increase enrollment through free application assistance, education and outreach in 13 Texas counties. NTFB and their partner agency food pantries, senior food programs, after school children’s programs, shelters and soup kitchens the food bank are already ramping up efforts calling for food, donations and volunteers leading up to the holiday season. ### Release Date:  Tuesday, November 5, 2013 Contact: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=356921,Congressman Cuellar Honors Deputy Sheriff Childress Jr. for his 30th Anniversary Memorial,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Cuellar Honors Deputy Sheriff Childress Jr. for his 30th Anniversary Memorial f t # e Washington, November 4, 2013 On Monday, November 4th, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will provide remarks at the 30th Anniversary Memorial Service for Deputy Ollie F. “Sammie” Childress Jr., hosted by the Wilson County Sheriff’s Department. “Thirty years ago today, the life of Deputy Sheriff Ollie F. “Sammie” Childress Jr. was cut short while he served in the line of duty,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.  “The cowardly act that took Sheriff Childress too soon robbed us of an upright public servant and defender.  It is an honor to speak on the occasion of his memorial and stand in the company of his family and the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect our communities.  Deputy Childress’s acts of selflessness and bravery and his years of service to the communities in Wilson County serve as an example for us all.” f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360377,Congressman Cuellar’s Office to Host Starr County Home Weatherization Workshop,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, November 7th, the office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) will host a Home Repair and Energy Efficiency Workshop for Starr County residents. “During the month of August, my grants coordinators traveled across the Rio Grande Valley communities in the 28th District of Texas as part of an effort to ensure that federal resources are allocated to address local needs,” said Congressman Cuellar.  “During that tour, we heard from local leaders and elected officials in Starr County that there is a need for more resources for home repair and weatherization, especially for the elderly and low income families.  Weatherization efforts such as fixing roofs, ensuring that homes receive proper heating and cooling, and other general repairs can raise property values throughout the community.  I encourage residents across Starr County to attend this workshop so that they can learn about federal resources that match their needs.”     “The costs associated with maintaining a home are a challenge for many rural homeowners,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “USDA Rural Development programs are available to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to weatherize and repair existing homes, install or improve plumbing, and provide access to people with disabilities, all critical components to improving the lives of rural residents.” “We strongly encourage Starr County residents to attend and learn how they can benefit from this event, as even relatively minor home improvements can save homeowners money over several years,” said Tim Irvine, TDHCA Executive Director. “Unfortunately, many Texans simply may not know how to obtain this type of assistance, a problem this event can begin to address. And while these resources are limited, many programs are available locally so we are hoping to see a big turnout.” The workshop will be hosted by Congressman Henry Cuellar’s Outreach Coordinators and will provide a broad array of information on home weatherization, preservation, and repairs. The program is designed to provide senior citizens, low-income families, Americans with disabilities, and veterans the opportunity to meet with Federal and State agencies and apply for programs that meet their specific needs. The event will include a presentation and a fair with booths for residents to ask questions and start applications.  Following this event, Congressman Cuellar’s grants coordinators will follow up with the individuals who attended to ensure that they have completed applications and received federal funds.    What:   Weatherization and Home Revitalization Workshop   Who:     Participants will include: ·       Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) ·       Texas Department Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) ·       US Department of Agricultural Rural Development (USDA-Rural Development) ·       American Electric Power (AEP) ·       Community Resource Group (CRG) ·       Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CAC) ·       Costal Bend Center for Independent Living ·       Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas ·       Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley ·       Medina Electric Cooperative, Inc ·       Texas Veterans Land Board ·       VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System Starr County Administration ·       South Texas College ·       Starr County Industrial Foundation ·       Rio Grande City Administration ·       Texas Office of the Secretary of State ·       Roma City Administration ·       La Grulla City Administration ·       Community of San Isidro ·       City of Escobares Administration  When:   Thursday, November 7 ·       9:45 AM CT –  Presentations by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, United States Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, and the Veteran’s Administration – Auditorium ·      10:45 AM CT – Fair – Cafeteria Where: South Texas College, Rio Grande City Campus – Student Services Building/Auditorium 142 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX     Rio Grande City, Texas – El jueves, 7 de noviembre, la oficina del congresista Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) ofrecerá una sesión para la reparación del hogar y la eficiencia energética para los residentes del Condado de Starr.  “Durante el mes de agosto, los coordinadores de mi oficina que asisten en encontrar fondos federales viajaron por el distrito 28 de Texas para reunirse con oficiales locales y líderes de la comunidad sobres sus necesidades locales,” dijo el congresista Cuellar.  “Durante este viaje, encontraron una falta de recursos federales en el condado de Starr, y a causa de esta falta, mi oficina ofrecerá una sesión para los residentes del condado sobre reparaciones del hogar y eficiencia energética.  Las reparaciones del hogar, como arreglar el techo o mejorar los sistemas de calefacción o enfriamiento, pueden subir el valor de la propiedad a lo largo de la comunidad. Les animo a los residentes del Condado de Starr a asistir a esta sesión para que aprendan de los recursos federales que puedan cumplir con sus necesidades locales.  La sesión tratará con temas de climatizar, preservar, y reparar el hogar. Ciertos métodos pueden reducir el consumo de energía de su hogar y así reducir  su factura de electricidad.  Se hizo la sesión para que los residentes de Starr puedan conocer las agencias federales que ofrecen programas que puedan responder a sus necesidades. El evento incluye presentaciones y una exposición con los agencias federales y estatales para que los residentes puedan hacer sus preguntas y empezar los aplicaciones. Después del evento, los coordinadores del congresista se pondrán en contacto con los asistentes para asegurar que han cumplido las aplicaciones y que ha recibido fondos federales.   Evento:     Sesión para reparaciones del hogar para el condado de Starr      Participantes:    Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) ·       Texas Department Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) ·       US Department of Agricultural Rural Development (USDA-Rural Development) ·       American Electric Power (AEP) ·       Community Resource Group (CRG) ·       Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CAC) ·       Costal Bend Center for Independent Living ·       Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas ·       Habitat for Humanity of the Rio Grande Valley ·       Medina Electric Cooperative, Inc ·       Texas Veterans Land Board ·       VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System Starr County Administration ·       South Texas College ·       Starr County Industrial Foundation ·       Rio Grande City Administration ·       Texas Office of the Secretary of State ·       Roma City Administration ·       La Grulla City Administration ·       Community of San Isidro ·       City of Escobares Administration    Fecha y hora:    Jueves el 7 de noviembre   ·       9:45 AM CT –  Presentations by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, United States Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, and the Veteran’s Administration – Auditorium ·       10:45 AM CT – Fair – Cafeteria   Ubicación:          South Texas College, Rio Grande City Campus – Student Services Building/Auditorium 142 N FM 3167 Rio Grande City, TX",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cuellar.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=360378,Congressman Cuellar Announces Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar in Atascosa County,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Henry Cuellar,C001063,cuellar.house.gov,,,legacy,"On Thursday, November 14th, the Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar will host a Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar for residents of Atascosa County.  The event is free and open to the public and will provide information on how to purchase health insurance and where to get help locally.  “The Affordable Care Act is about taking personal responsibility for the costs of healthcare and providing access to quality, affordable care for all Americans and all Atascosa County residents,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28).  “Atascosa County has over 10,400 uninsured residents, 26.6% of the population, some of whom may be eligible for coverage under the new Health Insurance Marketplace.  I am glad to partner with the South Texas Regional Medical Center, Atascosa Health Center, the Alamo Area Council of Governments, Young Invincibles, and Enroll America to host this health insurance marketplace community workshop.  I encourage all residents of Atascosa County to attend and educate themselves about the resources available to purchase affordable health insurance.”   WHAT:               Health Insurance Marketplace Community Seminar   WHO:                 Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28)                              South Texas Regional Medical Center                              Atascosa Health Center                              Alamo Area Council of Governments                              Young Invincibles                              Enroll America   WHERE:            South Texas Medical Plaza Community Room                              on the campus of South Texas Regional Medical Center                    1907 HWY 97 E                     Jourdanton, TX   WHEN:              Thursday, November 14th 6 – 9PM",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://veasey.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-veasey-statement-in-response-to-texas-voter-id-law-which-stopped,Rep. Veasey Statement in Response to Texas’ Voter ID Law which stopped former Speaker Jim Wright from obtaining Voter ID Card,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Marc Veasey,V000131,veasey.house.gov,,,legacy,"Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33) released the following statement, today, in response to Texas’ restrictive voter ID law which stopped “I am appalled to learn that former U.S. House Speaker Jim Wright, a man who has dedicated a lifetime of service and contributions to Texas and the nation, was denied a voter ID card in Texas, this weekend.  Speaker Wright dedicated his career to opening doors and fighting for equality for people of all races, religions, political backgrounds and affiliations. And now he is the latest victim of Texas’ strict voter identification law. Speaker Wright was denied the voter identification card merely because he had an expired driver's license and because his faculty identification from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where he teaches, doesn't meet voter identification requirements under the state law enacted in 2011. This is yet another example of how the strict Voter ID law will place an undue burden on many Texans and result in fewer eligible voters casting ballots. I believe that we should be making it easier for Texans to exercise their right to vote, not more difficult and I will continue to stand up for the right to vote.” – Rep. Marc Veasey, TX-33 ###   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 4, 2013 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jessica Coscia, 202-225-9897, Jessica.Coscia@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20140220234048/http://vela.house.gov/index.php/2013-07-18-16-34-07/press-releases/193-press-release-congressman-vela-hosts-singapore-ambassador-in-brownsville,PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts Singapore Ambassador in Brownsville,2013-11-04,2013,2013-11,Democrat,House,TX,Filemon Vela,V000132,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"PRESS RELEASE: Congressman Vela Hosts Singapore Ambassador in Brownsville   Showcases South Texas to Ambassador Ashok Kumar Mirpuri   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    November 4, 2013                                     PRESS CONTACT:   Brenda Lopez 956.544.8352       Brownsville, TX – Last September, Congressman Vela attended a celebration at the Singapore Embassy in Washington D.C., commemorating Singapore’s National and Armed Forces Day.  While there, Congressman Vela invited Singapore Ambassador to the U.S., Ashok Kumar Mirpuri, to Brownsville--an invitation the Ambassador promptly accepted.   On Friday evening, Ambassador Mirpuri made good on his promise and arrived in South Texas, where he was greeted by city, state, and federal officials at a reception hosted by the City of Brownsville at the historic Alonso Building.  After the Ambassador learned about Brownsville’s unique history and culture, Congressman Vela presented him with a true South Texan gift-- a pair of King Ranch cufflinks.    Following the reception, Ambassador Mirpuri had dinner with Congressman Vela, Mayor Tony Martinez, Chief Operating Officer at Keppel AmFELS G.S. Tan and representatives from Brownsville Economic Development Council and Singapore Economic Development Board to discuss strengthening economic relationships between Brownsville and Singapore.   On Saturday, Ambassador Mirpuri received a tour of KeppelAmFELS’ facilitiesat the Port of Brownsville, which refurbishes mobile drilling rigs and employs over 1,900 people.  G.S. Tan explained,  “It was a great pleasure and honor for Keppel AmFELS to co-host Singapore Ambassador Ashok Mirpuri’s visit to Brownsville.” Ambassador Mirpuri received a briefing regarding the importance of re-dredging the Port of Brownsville, which will allow companies such as Keppel AmFELS to service the next generation of rigs.   Congressman Vela then gave the Ambassador a tour of Brownsville, which included the University of Texas at Brownsville and the border wall.   On Sunday morning, Congressman Vela introduced Ambassador Mirpuri to a traditional South Texas breakfast of chorizo and machacado at the Toddle Inn.   “It was an honor to have Ambassador Mirpuri visit Brownsville and see that there is more to Texas than Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio,” said Rep Vela.  “Showcasing all that Brownsville has to offer is critical to solving South Texas’ high unemployment rate. Brownsville and Singapore share a special relationship as the largest private employer in the city is Singapore-based Keppel AmFELS, which has been part of the Brownsville community since 1990.  Attracting additional businesses to Brownsville is vital to strengthening our local economy.”     ""My trip to Brownsville at the suggestion of Congressman Filemon Vela was to support the close relationship that Keppel AmFELS has with the community in the region,” said Ambassador Mirpuri.  “Keppel AmFELS is one of Singapore's most innovative companies, and their presence in Brownsville is a showcase of the close relationship that Singapore has with the city, and the United States in general.  Our two countries share a close and mutually beneficial relationship that is very broad-based.  I appreciated my time in Brownsville and the warmth with which I was received by Congressman Vela and the whole community.  I look forward to an opportunity to visit again.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z